In my practice as an art psychotherapist and wellness counsellor, I have on the occasion worked with individuals navigating the complex and deeply personal experience of an eating disorder. I would say however I’ve learned so much from my colleagues, supervisors and specialists in the field of Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating.
While eating disorders are often seen as primarily affecting women, men also experience disordered eating and eating disorders, yet their struggles are frequently overlooked, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood.
As we continue to foster a more inclusive and supportive approach to mental health, it is essential to recognise and address the specific challenges men face when seeking help for eating disorders.
Understanding Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders
Disordered eating refers to a range of irregular eating behaviours that may not meet the full criteria for an eating disorder but still cause distress and have a significant impact on a person’s well-being.
These behaviours can include
- restrictive dieting,
- compulsive exercise,
- emotional eating, and an
- obsession with food and body image.
An eating disorder is a serious mental health condition characterised by persistent disturbances in eating behaviours, an excessive preoccupation with weight and body shape, and, in many cases, severe emotional distress.
Some of the most well-known eating disorders include:
- Anorexia Nervosa – Restriction of food intake leading to significant weight loss and an intense fear of gaining weight.
- Bulimia Nervosa – Recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours such as purging or excessive exercise.
- Binge Eating Disorder – Recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food, often very quickly and to the point of discomfort, accompanied by feelings of loss of control.
- Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders – Patterns of disordered eating that do not fully meet the diagnostic criteria for the above conditions but still pose serious risks to physical and emotional health.
Dispelling the Myth: Men Do Not Experience Eating Disorders
One of the most damaging misconceptions about eating disorders is the belief that men are not affected. This assumption has contributed to underdiagnosis, lack of research, and significant stigma, making it harder for men to seek support. Yet the hard reality of this means often men may not receive the proper support their body and mental health needs.
The research however does indicate that up to one in four people with an eating disorder are men, and this number may be even higher due to underreporting (Hudson, Hiripi, Pope, & Kessler, 2007).
Men’s experiences of eating disorders can sometimes look different from those of women. While women are often pressured to achieve thinness, men with eating disorders may develop a preoccupation with muscularity or extreme leanness (Schaefer, Rodgers, Thompson, & Griffiths, 2021). This can lead to excessive exercise, rigid eating patterns, and the misuse of supplements or steroids.
Recognising the Signs of an Eating Disorder in Men
While eating disorders can present differently in men, some key behaviours to be aware of include:
Behaviours Associated with Eating Disorders in Men
- Excessive exercise – Engaging in compulsive workouts, often prioritising them over relationships, work, or much-needed rest.
- Research indicates that excessive exercise is one of the most common compensatory behaviours in men with eating disorders, often serving both to manage weight gain and to increase muscle bulk (Tan et al., 2014) .
- Studies by Chua et al. has show that 82.2% of participants in a compensatory behaviours group reported excessive exercise as a means to control weight and shape (Chua et al., 2020) .
- Obsession with food, calories, and macronutrients – Fixating on nutritional labels, following extreme diets, or engaging in cycles of restriction and binge eating.
- Public health messaging around nutrition, particularly in places like Singapore, may contribute to obsessive tracking of food intake in those vulnerable to developing eating disorders (Chua et al., 2020)
- Avoidance of eating in social settings – Making excuses to skip meals or experiencing distress when eating around others.
- Avoidance of social eating has been identified as a characteristic of individuals experiencing disordered eating, with factors such as fear of judgment and control over food intake playing key roles (Chua et al., 2020) .
- Preoccupation with body shape and muscularity – Constant mirror-checking, frequent weighing, or using supplements to alter body composition.
- Men with eating disorders are often more focused on muscularity rather than thinness, and this preoccupation can lead to disordered behaviours, including excessive training, dietary control, and supplement use (Schaefer et al., 2021)
- Engaging in compensatory behaviours – Purging, fasting, or using laxatives to ‘undo’ eating.
- Compensatory behaviours such as fasting and excessive exercise are the most common methods used by men to regulate their weight and shape (Chua et al., 2020) .
- Use of purging (vomiting, laxatives, or diuretics) is less common in men than in women, but still present in a significant proportion of those with eating disorders (Strother et al., 2012).
Five Phrases to Support a Loved One with an Eating Disorder
Starting a conversation about eating disorders can feel daunting, but approaching it with empathy and sensitivity can help create a space for open dialogue. Here are five ways to start the conversation:
- “I’ve noticed that you have been struggling with food and exercise, and I care about you. Would you like to talk about it?”
- “It can be hard feeling like you’re going through this alone. I am here to listen and support you.”
- “Eating disorders are not just about food—they often reflect how we feel about ourselves. How are you feeling?”
- “I do not want to assume what you are going through, but I would love to understand more if you are comfortable sharing.”
- “Seeking help is not a sign of weakness—it is a step towards feeling better. If you ever want to explore that, I would be happy to support you.”
The goal is not to pressure someone into disclosure but to create a safe environment where they feel seen, heard, and supported.
How to Support Men with an Eating Disorder
- Encourage professional help – Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that require specialist intervention on our team, I would recommend speaking with Annelise Lai, she’s got a wealth of knowledge and experience supporting clients and their ED journey. Support your loved one in finding a therapist, nutritionist, or support group.
- Challenge societal expectations – Advocate for the recognition that eating disorders are not gendered conditions, and ensure men are included in awareness campaigns and treatment discussions.
- Be mindful of language – Avoid making comments about food, body size, or exercise that may reinforce disordered eating behaviours.
- Promote a balanced approach to health – Encourage a relationship with food and exercise that prioritises well-being rather than rigid or appearance-driven goals.
- Check in regularly – Recovery is not a linear process, and ongoing support can make a meaningful difference.
A Personal Reflection:
Response Art and the Isolation of Eating Disorders
(Artwork made by Alex Koen, pastel on watercolour paper)
As an art psychotherapist, I often use response art to process and reflect on the experiences of my clients, my clinical supervision and in training sessions. One particular piece stands out to me: “Untitled” is an apple against a dark, blackened backdrop.
The apple, eaten to the core and beginning to decay, represents the way an eating disorder can erode a person’s sense of self over time. It symbolises how an eating disorder does not just consume the body but also one’s identity, joy, and ability to connect with others. The dark backdrop reflects the isolation that so many individuals describe—a sense of loneliness, of being set apart from the world.
Apples are often associated with health—the old saying goes, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Yet, in the context of an eating disorder, seeking help can feel paradoxically like the hardest step to take. Eating disorders often push away the very support that is most needed.
This is why I feel so passionately about working with men who’ve bravely shared with me on their journey so far. The stigma, the silence, the pressure to “just get on with it” are all barriers that must be dismantled. Everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and supported in their journey towards healing.
Moving Forward with Compassion
Eating disorders are not about vanity; they are complex, deeply rooted conditions that require compassion and evidence-based care. By creating spaces for men to talk about their experiences, challenging societal biases, and advocating for inclusive treatment, we can make a meaningful difference.
If you or someone you love is struggling, know that help is available—and healing is possible.
To meet with a professional psychologist or counsellor, call The Other Clinic at 8809 0659 or email us hello@theotherclinic.sg.
References
Strother, E., Lemberg, R., Stanford, S. C., & Turberville, D. (2012). Eating disorders in men: Underdiagnosed, undertreated, and misunderstood. Eating Disorders, 20(5), 346–355. https://doi.org/10.1080/10640266.2012.715512
Tan, S. M., Lin, P. M. S., Kuek, A. S. C., Lee, E. L., & Boon, E. S. K. (2014). Men do get it: Eating disorders in males from an Asian perspective. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 15(1), 72–82.
Chua, S. N., Fitzsimmons-Craft, E. E., Austin, S. B., Wilfley, D. E., & Taylor, C. B. (2020). Estimated prevalence of eating disorders in Singapore. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 54(1), 7–18. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23440
Schaefer, L. M., Rodgers, R. F., Thompson, J. K., & Griffiths, S. (2021). A test of the tripartite influence model of disordered eating among men. Body Image, 36, 172–179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.11.009
Spratt, C. J., MacKenzie Myles, L. A., & Merlo, E. M. (2022). Eating disorders in men: A comprehensive summary. Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences, 9(2), 249–254. https://doi.org/10.22543/2392-7674.1362