Blog Highlight
Eating disorders affect men, yet stigma and misconceptions often prevent men from seeking therapy for an eating disorder. This article breaks down the realities of eating disorders in men, common warning signs, and how therapy can help men in Atlanta, and throughout the US rebuild a healthier relationship with food, exercise, and their bodies.
Men and Eating Disorders
Eating disorder therapy for men in Georgia is an important part of our work, but the stigma around men and eating disorders prevents many people from seeking treatment. Individuals of all genders, races, sexual orientations, body shapes, and ages can be affected by eating disorders. However, because women are more likely to be diagnosed with an eating disorder, many associate eating disorders exclusively with women.
This misconception is highly dangerous because it erases the experiences of men affected by eating disorders and creates stigma around male eating disorders, making it difficult or uncomfortable for men in Georgia and across the country to seek help for a potentially life-threatening disorder.
In the face of stigma, seeking support is an especially brave and important step for men, and we here at Best Within You Therapy & Wellness would be happy to help with any concerns you may have. We are here to help regardless of how you identify or where you are with your relationship with food or your body. Whether you are seeking in-person or virtual services, our therapists have years of experience providing eating disorder therapy for men in Georgia.
If you are a man hoping to repair your relationship with food, exercise, muscle dysmorphia, or your body overall with the support of a therapist in Atlanta, Savannah, or anywhere in Georgia, it may be helpful to first get the facts about eating disorders in men and learn how therapy can help.
How Common Are Eating Disorders Among Men?
Unfortunately, the high rate of eating disorder diagnosis among women compared to men has led to a lack of male participants in eating disorder studies and limited specific research on eating disorders among men. Approximately 1 in 10 people diagnosed with anorexia nervosa identifies as male and 1 in 3 people diagnosed with binge eating disorder identifies as male.
It is possible that these statistics also underestimate the number of men who struggle with eating disorders. Gendered stigma has been found to reduce help seeking among men struggling with eating disorders, which, in turn, reduces assessment and diagnosis. Furthermore, even if they do seek support for an eating disorder, research has found that men are less likely to receive a diagnosis.
In one study, a quarter of men with eating disorders in the sample were not referred for an eating disorder consultation by their primary care provider. Although such barriers have reduced our understanding of eating disorders in men, the research is unanimous on the fact that men have eating disorders, and they are just as valid and deserving of support.
Warning Signs of Eating Disorders in Men
While both men and women can have eating disorders, their symptoms may manifest differently. Warning signs of eating disorders in men include:
- Intense body dissatisfaction or dysmorphia, especially muscle dysmorphia
- Body surveillance, also known as “body checking”
- Excessive or compulsive exercise; obsession with the gym
- Use of muscle-building products (e.g. creatine, steroids)
- Restricting food intake, fasting, or strict dieting
- Binge eating
- Rapid weight gain or loss
- Secrecy and withdrawal from social networks
- Mood changes and irritability
Why Men With Eating Disorders in Georgia May Struggle to Seek Help
Men can absolutely have eating disorders. In fact, the rate of men with eating disorders is currently increasing. However, representation or discussion of men with eating disorders remains rare. As a result, some men feel invisible or believe there are no recovery options available to them.
Gendered stigma associated with eating disorders can also conflict with a man’s internalized concept of masculinity. The misconception that eating disorders are inherently feminine or only experienced by women can conflict with a man’s masculine identity, making it difficult to accept or share struggles with disordered eating. This is reinforced by the very real possibility of experiencing judgment from friends, family, and healthcare providers for having an eating disorder as a man.
Some men may not be able to recognize their eating disorders as eating disorders. The limited but widespread representation of eating disorders simply as a desire to be thin does not capture the unique experiences of each individual with an eating disorder. It may feel especially inaccurate for men with eating disorders, who are subjected to beauty standards different from that of women. For many men who participate in sports, disordered eating practices that involve rapidly gaining or losing weight may be viewed as normal because their intention is related to athletic performance rather than appearance.
Men are also more likely to engage in excessive exercise than vomiting or use of laxatives. Because exercise and muscle gain are generally viewed as acceptable and healthy, they may be less easily recognized as disordered.
How Therapy Helps Men with Eating Disorders
There are various evidence-based approaches that therapists may use to help their clients recover from an eating disorder. Depending on the client’s specific needs, they might choose to use cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, a combination of these approaches, or a different approach altogether. Goals of therapy may include improving body image or muscle dysmorphia. Goals also can include reducing anxiety and perfectionism as well as supporting self-esteem, self-acceptance, interpersonal relationships, and identity.
For men whose eating disorders are related to sports performance, a therapist with experience in this area will be able to incorporate performance-related concerns into their work with the client.
Finding a therapist who fits your needs and understands the stigma associated with male eating disorders can be life-changing. One study found that simply receiving a formal diagnosis renewed men’s motivation to recover, and another found that men in recovery reported a profound sense of freedom as they rebuilt their relationship with food and exercise.
Eating Disorder Therapy for Men in Atlanta and Across Georgia
If you are a man seeking eating disorder treatment in Atlanta, Savannah, or anywhere in Georgia, you can search online, consult your primary care provider for referrals, or reach out to local practices like Best Within You Therapy & Wellness for eating disorder therapy. Our practice specializes in eating disorder treatment and providing tailored support to men in-person in Atlanta and Savannah and virtually across the country.
If you are looking for an in-person, intensive outpatient eating disorder recovery program, you may also consider the Marietta-based IOP we have developed in partnership with Recovery DBT.
Choosing to recover is a challenging step, especially for men with eating disorders who must grapple with a unique gendered stigma. If your quality of life is negatively affected by your relationship with your food, body, or exercise, seeking help is worth it. Men with eating disorders deserve support and are capable of recovery.
If you or someone you love in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia is struggling with an eating disorder, we are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do eating disorders look different in men than in women?
A: Eating disorders can look different in men than women. Men may be more focused on muscularity, leanness, or athletic performance rather than thinness. Excessive exercise or weight manipulation for sports may be normalized and this can also make disordered behaviors harder to recognize.
Q: How can therapy help men with eating disorders?
A; Therapy can be incredibly helpful for men with eating disorder. Eating disorder therapy for men can address the underlying thoughts, emotions, and behaviors connected to the eating disorder. Evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, and ACT can help improve body image, reduce perfectionism and anxiety, and address muscle dysmorphia. Therapy can also support healthier relationships with food, exercise, and identity.
Q: Can therapy support athletes or men focused on performance?
A: Therapists experienced in working with athletes can integrate performance goals while addressing disordered eating and exercise patterns in a healthy, sustainable way.
Q: Do you offer eating disorder therapy for men in Georgia?
A: Best Within You Therapy & Wellness provides eating disorder therapy for men in Atlanta and Savannah. We also have with virtual services available across Georgia and beyond. Additionally, we offer an intensive outpatient program in partnership with Recovery DBT in Marietta. This program provides 3-5 days of treatment for people who are wanting intensive support.
This blog was written by Judy Crandall and clinical reviewed by Dr. Vincent Fitch, a licensed psychologist at Best Within You Therapy & Wellness. To schedule with Dr. Vincent Fitch or any of our therapists, please visit our appointment page and submit your information. We look forward to being a part of your healing.
