Eating disorders have long been associated with women, but the reality is more complicated. Hard statistics reveal a significant gap, with eating disorders being diagnosed more often in women than in men. The ratio of eating disorder diagnoses between men and women in the UK is approximately 1:10, with women bearing the brunt of these disorders. Eating disorders among men in the UK have historically been underdiagnosed and undertreated. However, there is a growing recognition of this issue. The exact prevalence varies by disorder, but it is estimated that around 25% of people with eating disorders in the UK are men.
Lee Hawker-Lecesne MBPsS, Clinical Director in the The Chiang Mai cabin comments: “We believe it is our responsibility to inform the public that eating disorders do not discriminate by gender. They can affect anyone, and for these men, the pain is very real. The prevalence of eating disorders in men is often underestimated due to stereotypes that associate these disorders mainly with women. However, research shows that men make up a significant proportion of people with eating disorders. Exact prevalence rates may vary, but estimates suggest that about 25% of people with anorexia or bulimia and up to 40% of those with binge eating disorder are men.”
Percentage values based on recent trends
Anorexia:
Women: About 90-95%
Men: About 5-10%
Bulimia nervosa:
Women: About 80-85%
Men: About 15-20%
Binge Eating Disorder:
Women: About 60-70%
Men: About 30-40%
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED):
Women: About 70-75%
Men: About 25-30%
The cause of eating disorders in men
Like females, males are exposed to social pressures related to body image, attractiveness, and the idealized male physique, which can contribute to the development of eating disorders. Body dissatisfaction or negative appraisals of body image or appearance can lead to unhealthy eating behaviors that fuel the emergence of disordered eating.
The media has long promoted unrealistic body standards for men, emphasizing muscularity and thinness, which can cause body dissatisfaction and lead to disordered eating behaviors. Underlying psychological factors such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, anxiety, depression, and trauma can compound these messages and play an important role in the development of eating disorders.
Biological factors such as genetic predisposition and hormonal imbalances can also contribute to eating disorders in men. Male athletes, especially those in sports that prioritize weight or appearance (eg, bodybuilding, wrestling), may also be at higher risk due to the pressure to achieve a certain body shape or weight class. Lee says: “Ultimately eating disorders are less about vanity and more about control and numbing emotions. Men can suffer from it just as much as women.”
Delayed diagnosis
The stigma surrounding eating disorders in men and the perception that it is primarily a women’s issue can prevent men from seeking help. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can often occur because health professionals do not always recognize eating disorders in men, leading to exacerbation and worsening of the disorder. While there have been improvements in the recognition and treatment of eating disorders in men, challenges remain. Stigma, limited specialist services and a lack of trained professionals can make it difficult for men to access appropriate care. More awareness and education is needed to combat media-fueled stereotypes and encourage early intervention.
Cabin Chiang Mai is Asia’s most respected rehabilitation center, with a clinical team with more than 50 years of experience, they have successfully treated more than 5,000 inpatients from around the world. The team is delighted to announce its partnership with world-renowned eating disorder specialist Sandhurst Manor to launch a specialist eating disorder program designed to serve people who are considering treatment for their primary addiction other than an eating disorder. addiction. Our unparalleled 12-week eating disorder treatment program combines the expertise of two of the world’s leading mental health providers.
“Society often tells us that ‘real men don’t have eating disorders, but at The Cabin and Sandhurst Manor we’re here to say that real men struggle too. We believe it’s time to break the stigma. Living with an eating disorder leaves men feeling trapped in their bodies. Men who suffer report feeling that no one seems to understand. This is not just a ‘women’s issue’, it’s a human issue.” says Lee Hawker-Lecesne.
Nikki Munitz, Clinical Director at Sandhurst Manor comments, “There is a lot of shame surrounding men who struggle with body image and eating disorders. Society understands that women have been affected by social media and society in general throughout the body. It is not yet accepted or accepted that men are equally affected. Men are affected in all aspects of eating disorders, but what is easy to ‘see’ is body dysmorphia in the gym and steroid use.”
This specialist program from The Cabin and Sandhurst Manor aims to address both addiction and disordered eating, offering comprehensive support and strategies for holistic recovery. The program recognizes that disordered eating habits may have been a significant concern either currently or in the past.
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