Men Have Eating Issues Too: Breaking the Silence in the UK
When we think about eating disorders or disordered eating, the conversation often focuses on women. But men struggle too—far more than many people realise. In the UK, around 25% of those with eating disorders are men, and countless more experience unhealthy relationships with food, body image, and exercise that go unrecognised.
Yet, despite these numbers, men are far less likely to seek help. Stigma, stereotypes, and a lack of awareness mean many suffer in silence. It’s time to change the narrative.
The reality of male eating issues
Men experience a wide range of eating-related struggles, from full-blown disorders like anorexia, Bulimia, and binge-eating disorder to more subtle but still harmful behaviours like obsessive dieting, over-exercising, or using food to cope with emotions.
Some common issues include:
- Muscle Dysmorphia (Bigorexia): An obsession with gaining muscle and reducing fat, often leading to extreme diets, excessive protein consumption, and steroid use.
- Binge Eating Disorder: Episodes of uncontrollable eating, often followed by guilt and shame.
- Orthorexia: An unhealthy obsession with “clean eating” or only consuming certain “healthy” foods, which can lead to malnutrition and social isolation.
- Compensatory Behaviours: Some men purge, excessively exercise, or fast to “make up” for eating.
- Yo-Yo Dieting & Restriction: Constantly cycling through extreme diets, fasting, or cutting out entire food groups.
Why do men struggle in silence?
1. Stigma & Gender Stereotypes
The idea that eating disorders are a “women’s issue” makes it hard for men to recognise their struggles and even harder to admit them. In traditional masculinity, discussing body image concerns or seeking help for food-related issues is often seen as “weak”—which couldn’t be further from the truth.
2. Lack of Awareness & Representation
Many men don’t even realise they have a problem because eating disorder awareness campaigns, diagnostic criteria, and treatment models have historically been designed around female experiences. This leads to misdiagnosis or being dismissed by healthcare professionals.
3. The Rise of Fitness Culture & Social Media
The pressure to be lean, muscular, and “shredded” has skyrocketed with social media. Male influencers and fitness trends often promote restrictive eating, extreme workouts, and supplement use under the guise of “health,” leading to disordered behaviours that are widely accepted.
Where to get help in the UK
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is out there. You don’t have to fit a stereotype or have a diagnosed disorder to reach out for support. Here are some services that can support men but I also support men and I think it’s important to open up the dialogue.
If you want individual support please reach out to me by contacting me HERE ( link)
If you are interested to have a facilitated group coaching session with men around this topic please contact me on info@recoveryworks.co.uk and let’s have a chat!
- BEAT Eating Disorders – The UK’s leading eating disorder charity, with support for men. (www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk)
- Men’s Health Forum – Offers advice and support on male mental health and eating issues. (www.menshealthforum.org.uk)
- GP & NHS Services – Your doctor can refer you for specialist support.
- Therapists & Support Groups – Many services now cater specifically to men.
Final Thoughts: It’s OK to Talk
Eating issues don’t have a gender. If you’re struggling with food, body image, or exercise, you’re not alone, and there’s no shame in seeking help. Talking about it is the first step toward recovery. Let’s break the silence and make sure men’s struggles are recognised, supported, and treated with the seriousness they deserve.
Have you or someone you know faced eating issues as a man? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going.
