Understanding Anorexia in Men: A Guide For Men and Loved Ones

Forget everything you think you know about eating disorders. Here’s a shocker for you; men get them too, and anorexia nervosa in males is no exception. Anorexia – as an eating disorder – is typically stereotyped as a “female problem”, but anorexia in men should not be taken lightly or swept under the rug of misunderstanding.

Think of it this way, for every ten people living with anorexia, one of them is a male. So, let’s ditch the myths and explore the complexities of male anorexia nervosa, how it impacts males, and how men can find treatment for this eating disorder.

The Eating Disorder Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa – mostly called anorexia – isn’t just about being skinny. It’s a complicated eating disorder that can be characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and severe calorie restriction. This usually leads to dangerously low body weight and a whole host of physical and emotional problems.

Now, while we’re at it, here’s another shocker; studies suggest that one in every ten men will develop an eating disorder at some point in their lives. That’s a pretty big number, considering the stigma attached to male eating disorders.

Another point to call home is that it is believed that male anorexia is common in gay men. This is a myth! While societal pressure around body image can affect anyone, regardless of one’s sexual orientation, research doesn’t show a higher prevalence of anorexia nervosa in gay men compared to straight men. Eating disorders don’t discriminate!

Symptoms of Anorexia in Men

Men with anorexia might not always fit the stereotypical image of an eating disorder victim. Here are some common symptoms of anorexia in males to watch out for;

• An unhealthy obsession with muscle mass
• Having secret eating habits such as sneaking meals or lying about how much they’ve eaten
• Physical changes such as fatigue, weakness, cold intolerance, and trouble concentrating
• Experiencing emotional shifts such as feeling irritable, depressive, and anxious
• Excessively exercising, even when sick or injured
• Lower testosterone levels and lower sex drive
• Experiencing hair loss caused by inadequate nutrition
• Experiencing insomnia, hypersomnia, and other sleep disorders

While these are just common symptoms of anorexia in males, there are some outward signs that men should look out for. Outward signs of anorexia in males can include;

• Muscle loss disguised as leanness
• Brittle hair and nails as malnutrition can take a toll on physical appearance
• Having dry, pale, or yellowing skin

What Causes Anorexia In Men?

While we can’t say the exact causes of anorexia in men, there can be a combination of factors that can be a cause of the eating disorder in males;

• Social Pressures: Our society’s emphasis on a sculpted male physique can trigger a distorted body image.
• Genetics: Having a family history of eating disorders can also increase the risk of a younger male developing the disorder.
• Underlying Mental Health Conditions: If you’re living with an undiagnosed or underlying mental health condition, then anorexia might co-occur. Depression, anxiety, or OCD are common conditions that can co-occur with anorexia and vice versa.
• Environment Factors: Sometimes, cultural pressures and bullying can be a factor that contributes to the development of anorexia in men.

Other risk factors that can cause anorexia in males are;

• A history of bullying about weight or body type
• Substance abuse
• Sexual abuse or childhood trauma

The Effects of Untreated Anorexia In Men

Untreated eating disorders in men can set off a domino effect that can topple the mental health and well-being of a man. Here’s how unaddressed eating disorders can impact men;

1. Poor Physical Health

Severe calorie restriction can cause a lack of essential nutrients. This can weaken the body causing muscle loss and weakness, brittle bones, heart problems, organ damage, and reproductive issues in men.

2. Poor Mental Health

The obsession with weight and control can also wreak havoc on the mind. This can set off a chain reaction and cause depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, obsessive thoughts, and even suicidal ideation in many cases.

3. Poor Quality of Life

The focus on food and weight control can steal precious moments and can cause poor concentration, leading to academic problems. Fatigue and preoccupation with the eating disorder, cause poor work performance and career setbacks. Resistance to treatment can cause frustration with family and friends.

Treatment For Eating Disorders in Men

Recovery from eating disorders is possible. Early intervention and treatment can break the cycle and take you on the path to recovery. If you suspect your loved one with anorexia, then encourage them to seek professional help. Other ways anorexia in men can be treated include;

1. Psychotherapy

To address eating disorders and their underlying causes, therapy is the most recommended treatment option. Individual, family, and group therapies can be recommended for treatment. The most common therapy approaches to treat anorexia in men can include;

• CBT(E) – Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help you change your distorted thinking and behaviors and replace them with positive and realistic ones.
• DBT – Dialectical behavioral therapy for ED is designed to help you develop new skills through emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness.
• FBT – Family-based therapy can be effective with teens and younger males. Here, a family member is put in charge and works with the therapist to re-establish a healthy eating pattern for the male in therapy.
• ERP – Exposure and response prevention is a form of exposure therapy where the male in therapy is exposed to their triggers. In our case, it could be a fear of foods or anxiety-inducing situations related to body image.

2. Medications

In some severe cases of ED, medications might be prescribed to address co-occurring mental health conditions. There are no medications that can treat anorexia, so the medications prescribed work to manage the other symptoms that occur with the eating disorder. These medications must be prescribed. Before you take any pills, it’s better to talk to a physician, as many medications can have side effects that can worsen your symptoms.

Coping With Anorexia: Quick Tips For Men

1. Take Care of Yourself

Try to replace your ineffective coping with positive ones. This includes finding ways to relax and reduce anxiety. You can try different methods and find the one that works best for you. This can include taking walks in the park, doing a project around the house, or trying your hand at a new hobby.

2. Find a Support System

Don’t be afraid to express yourself and your emotions with a support system. Don’t bottle up your feelings. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor about what you’re going through. Having a support system can help you make positive changes in your life.

3. Be Body Positive

Men, too, deserve a healthy body image. Surround yourself with positive influences and media that promote a healthy body in all shapes and sizes. Try to follow those posts on social media that talk about body positivity, and unfollow anyone who talks about conforming to stereotypical body images and shapes.

4. Seek Professional Help

Lastly, don’t be afraid to seek help from a professional. A therapist or an eating disorder specialist can provide guidance, and support, and help you develop a personalized recovery plan that you can follow and be comfortable with that.

Coping With Anorexia: Quick Tips For Loved Ones

1. Educate Yourself

As a loved one of a male with anorexia, you can try to learn as much as you can about the eating disorder. Knowing about the disorder will help you approach it better. Learn about the treatment options too so that you can help your loved one when the time comes for recovery.

2. Be Compassionate

Express your worry for their well-being, but don’t ambush them. Be compassionate and actively listen to their woes. Let them know that you’re there for them without any judgment. Slowly, but gently, encourage them to open up and express their feelings with someone they trust.

3. Focus on Well-Being

It’s about their well-being, not weight, so acknowledge the little progress they make in their recovery. You can also go along with them and practice healthy living. Go on walks with them, cook healthy meals together, or engage in their hobbies with them. Most of all, model healthy living and set a good example for them to follow.

4. Encourage Professional Help

Lastly, don’t try to “fix” them; there’s nothing wrong with your loved one. What you can do for them is research therapy options together and offer to accompany them for the sessions. Professional intervention can be a life-saver, so encourage them to find help.

Wrap Up…

Anorexia in men is a serious but treatable eating disorder. By raising awareness, challenging stereotypes, and encouraging open communication, you can help your male loved ones with anorexia get the support and help they need.

No matter who they are – male or female – everyone deserves to have a healthy relationship with food and their bodies. So, let’s create a world where everyone feels comfortable asking for help, regardless of gender or sex.

If you know a loved one struggling with anorexia or an eating disorder, then you can reach out to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) helpline at 1800-931-2237 or other resources near you. You’re not alone and help is available!

I hope this article helped you understand what anorexia in men looks like and how to get help for eating disorders in men. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Take Care!