Eating disorders have long been stereotyped as a women’s issue. Yet, this misconception ignores the growing prevalence of disordered eating among men and non-binary individuals. Research reveals that men frequently struggle with conditions like anorexia, binge eating, and muscle dysmorphia, while non-binary individuals face unique challenges tied to societal and gender-related pressures.
Broadening the conversation around eating disorders is critical to ensuring that everyone affected receives appropriate care. Let’s explore the causes, prevalence, and treatment needs for men and non-binary individuals experiencing disordered eating.
Eating Disorders in Men
While women are often depicted as striving for thinness, men may experience pressure to achieve a lean yet muscular physique. Muscle dysmorphia, sometimes referred to as “reverse anorexia,” is a form of body dysmorphia where individuals obsess over their body not being muscular or defined enough.
Media and fitness culture frequently glorify unattainable physical ideals, pushing men to extremes, such as over-exercising, restrictive dieting, or abusing supplements. These behaviors often go unnoticed because they align with cultural norms celebrating “fitness.”
The Role of Masculinity and Stigma
Cultural expectations of masculinity can act as barriers to men seeking help. Many men feel societal pressure to appear stoic, self-reliant, and unaffected by issues like body image. As a result, they may dismiss or hide their struggles, preventing early intervention.
Despite these barriers, awareness is growing. Searches like “signs of eating disorders in men” and “increase in male eating disorders” reflect a changing attitude, highlighting the need for education and support tailored to men.
Eating Disorders in Non-Binary and Gender-Diverse Populations
For non-binary individuals, the relationship between body image and eating behaviors is often intertwined with gender dysphoria. Many engage in disordered eating as a way to alter their
bodies to align more closely with their gender identity—or to reduce physical traits associated with a gender they do not identify with.
A study in the Journal of Eating Disorders found that as many as 70% of gender non-conforming individuals reported experiencing disordered eating, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. This prevalence underscores the compounded impact of societal pressure, stigma, and marginalization on non-binary individuals.
Intersectionality and Mental Health
Non-binary individuals often navigate multiple layers of marginalization, including rejection, discrimination, and lack of access to affirming care. According to a recent survey, 39% of non-binary individuals reported disordered eating behaviors—significantly higher than cisgender women (28%) and cisgender men (18%).
For transgender and non-binary youth, the situation is even more alarming. The Trevor Project’s 2022 report found that 34% had engaged in behaviors like skipping meals or excessively restricting food. This stark statistic illustrates how societal pressures intersect with mental health struggles, such as anxiety and depression.
What Is Body Dysmorphia?
Body dysmorphia, or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), is a mental health condition characterized by an intense preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in one’s appearance. These perceived imperfections are often minor or invisible to others, but for individuals with body dysmorphia, they can cause significant emotional distress and interfere with daily life.
Symptoms of Body Dysmorphia
People with BDD may exhibit a range of behaviors, including:
- Spending excessive time focusing on specific physical features (e.g., skin, nose, hair, or muscle size).
- Repeatedly checking their appearance in mirrors or avoiding mirrors altogether.
- Seeking frequent reassurance about their looks.
- Engaging in compulsive behaviors like grooming, exercising, or attempting to “fix” perceived flaws through cosmetic procedures.
- Experiencing significant anxiety, depression, or shame about their appearance.
How Body Dysmorphia Differs for Men and Non-Binary People
While body dysmorphia can affect anyone, its manifestation can vary based on societal pressures and cultural expectations:
- In Men: BDD often focuses on muscularity, a phenomenon known as muscle dysmorphia. Men with this form of BDD may feel their body is too small, weak, or inadequately muscular, even if they are in excellent physical shape. This can lead to excessive weightlifting, restrictive diets, or the use of supplements and steroids.
- In Non-Binary Individuals: Body dysmorphia may intersect with gender dysphoria, where discomfort with one’s body is linked to incongruence between physical traits and gender identity. This overlap can intensify feelings of distress and complicate treatment.
The Link Between Body Dysmorphia and Disordered Eating
Body dysmorphia often drives disordered eating behaviors as individuals attempt to change or control their appearance. For example, men with muscle dysmorphia may engage in excessive protein consumption, calorie restriction, or over-exercising to achieve an “ideal” physique. Non-binary individuals might restrict food intake to suppress certain physical traits or align their bodies with their gender identity.
Addressing the Problem and Providing Inclusive Care
Identifying disordered eating can be challenging, especially when symptoms differ by gender. Common signs in men include:
- An intense focus on muscle gain.
- Over-exercising paired with restrictive eating.
- Anxiety or shame surrounding food choices.
For non-binary individuals, behaviors may stem from a desire to suppress or emphasize certain physical traits, making body image concerns particularly complex.
The Need for Inclusive Treatment
Treatment must consider the unique experiences of men and non-binary individuals. Gender-affirming care is essential for non-binary populations, as it addresses the overlap of body image struggles and gender dysphoria. Similarly, for men, treatment plans must challenge stigma around masculinity and encourage emotional vulnerability.
Disordered eating affects individuals across the gender spectrum, yet men and non-binary people often remain invisible in conversations about these conditions. Recognizing the prevalence, addressing stigma, and providing inclusive care are critical steps toward ensuring that everyone can access the help they need.
The road to wellness starts by seeking help today.
Built on the principles of assertive community treatment, Galen Hope is an eating disorder and mental health treatment center offering individualized treatment options that include Intensive Outpatient (IOP) with supported housing option and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP). As
a “Community of Integrated Wellness,” we pride ourselves in fostering a thoughtful and meaningful care experience that can guide our clients on their road to recovery and increased quality of life, regardless of diagnosis. With two locations in South Florida, Galen Hope currently offers in-person programming for adolescents and adults of all genders.
To learn more about eating disorder treatment, please contact us here today or by calling 866-304-2955 or emailing [email protected]