Eating Disorders in Men: Signs, Risks, and Treatment

For decades, eating disorders have been widely viewed as conditions that primarily affect women and girls, contributing to stigma and misconceptions about eating disorders in men.^1,2 Because of this long-standing association, eating disorders in men have often gone unrecognized, while men continue to face barriers to accessing appropriate treatment and support.^1,2

Recognizing the signs, symptoms, and effects of eating disorders in men can help those who are struggling better understand what they are experiencing while also helping friends, family members, and loved ones provide support, encourage treatment, and reduce the stigma surrounding these conditions.

Can Men Have Eating Disorders?

Yes. Men can experience any type of eating disorder, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder (BED), avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED), as well as other clinically significant patterns of disordered eating.^3,4

Although eating disorders remain more common among women and girls, they also affect a substantial number of men and boys. One study found that in 2022, approximately 146 per 100,000 boys and young men ages 5 to 26 had a diagnosed eating disorder, compared with 475 per 100,000 girls and young women in the same age range.⁵

Research also suggests that eating disorder rates among males have increased in recent decades, potentially reflecting both a growing burden of these conditions and greater recognition of previously overlooked cases.^1,2 Available evidence suggests that eating disorders in males may account for up to 25% of eating disorder cases.^1,2

In a 2025 study involving an online sample of more than 1,500 boys and men ages 15 to 35 in the U.S. and Canada, 5.8% met criteria for probable bulimia nervosa, 3.3% for probable binge eating disorder, and 0.3% for probable anorexia nervosa.⁶

Eating disorders can develop during adolescence and early adulthood, making it especially important to recognize the signs of eating disorders in young adults and encourage timely intervention.

These findings highlight the importance of recognizing that eating disorders in men and boys may present differently, go unrecognized, or remain untreated.

Why Eating Disorders in Men Can Go Unrecognized

Eating disorders in men can be difficult to recognize because research, screening tools, and public perceptions have traditionally focused more heavily on women and girls. Several factors may contribute to eating disorders being overlooked in men, including:^1,3,4,7-9

• Underrepresentation in research: Boys and men have long been underrepresented in eating disorder research, contributing to gaps in understanding male prevalence, symptoms, and presentation.
• Gender stereotypes and stigma: The perception that eating disorders primarily affect women may make it harder for some men to recognize their symptoms or seek help. It may also make eating disorders less likely to be considered by healthcare professionals.
• Limitations of some screening tools: Some traditional eating disorder screening tools emphasize thinness and weight-loss concerns and may be less sensitive to symptoms involving muscularity, body composition, or exercise.
• Different body image concerns: Some men may be more focused on reducing body fat, bulking up to increase muscle mass, changing body composition, or improving physical performance rather than simply becoming thinner.
• Compulsive exercise: Driven or compulsive exercise may be used to change weight or shape, compensate for eating, or maintain a particular physique. Warning signs can include exercising despite injury or illness, feeling unable to reduce exercise, or continuing despite significant distress or interference with everyday life.

These factors can make disordered eating behaviors easier to mistake for dieting, fitness, or athletic discipline. A person's appearance or body size alone, regardless of gender, cannot determine whether an eating disorder is present or how serious it may be.

Risk Factors for Eating Disorders in Men

Eating disorders do not have a single cause. Biological vulnerability can interact with psychological and social influences, such as low self-esteem and perfectionism, and the combination differs from person to person.^3,7

Factors associated with eating disorder risk in boys and men include:^1,3,7,9

• Genetic and biological vulnerability.
• Persistent dieting or weight-control behaviors.
• Weight- or appearance-related bullying or criticism.
• Experiences of discrimination, stigma, or other minority-related stressors among sexual and gender minority populations.
• Body dissatisfaction and muscularity pressures, including a strong drive for muscularity and pressure to appear extremely lean or muscular.
• Sports and performance pressures involving weight, appearance, muscularity, or body composition.
• Co-occurring mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.

These are risk factors, not causes. Many people experience one or more of these risks without developing an eating disorder.

What are the Signs of Eating Disorders in Men?

While disordered eating and eating disorders can share some behaviors, eating disorders meet specific diagnostic criteria and can significantly affect physical and emotional health. No single symptom can confirm or rule out a diagnosis. Some warning signs occur across several conditions, while others are more closely associated with a specific eating disorder.^3,8

General eating disorder symptoms in men can include:^3-8

• Increasingly rigid or restrictive rules about calories, protein, meal timing, or food choices.
• Avoiding social activities that interfere with eating or exercise routines.
• Significant changes in weight, energy, or physical functioning.
• Increasing anxiety or distress when eating or exercise routines are disrupted.
• Increasing preoccupation with food, exercise, weight, body shape, muscularity, or body composition.
• Compulsive or driven exercise, including exercising despite injury or illness or when it significantly interferes with daily responsibilities.

How Are Eating Disorders Diagnosed in Men?

Eating disorders in men are diagnosed using the same DSM-5 criteria as other patients.⁸ A thorough assessment looks at eating behaviors, weight changes, bingeing, purging, exercise, body image concerns, daily functioning, and medical or psychiatric risks.⁹

Evaluation may include height, weight, vital signs, a physical exam, and laboratory testing. An electrocardiogram may also be recommended when restrictive eating, severe purging, or certain medications raise concern for cardiac risk.⁹

For men, clinicians may also need to ask whether the goal is weight loss, lower body fat, greater muscularity, or improved performance and whether exercise or eating rules feel compulsory.^1,4,7 Normal body weight or laboratory results do not automatically rule out an eating disorder.⁹

Eating Disorders, Suicidality, and Why Timely Treatment Matters

Eating disorders are associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Both the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and American Psychiatric Association (APA) recognize elevated suicide risk among people with eating disorders.^3,9

Research focused specifically on men is more limited, but available evidence supports assessing suicide risk when eating disorder or muscle dysmorphia symptoms are present. In one community study of 464 men, symptoms associated with eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia were linked to suicidal ideation or previous suicide attempts.¹⁰ Because the study was cross-sectional, it cannot establish causation or estimate risk for all men.

APA guidance recommends assessing current and past suicidal thoughts, plans, attempts, and non-suicidal self-injury.⁹

Immediate Help for Suicidal Thoughts

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide or experiencing an emotional crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org. If there is an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911.³

Treatment Options for Eating Disorders in Men

Treatment should be matched to the diagnosis, symptom severity, physical health, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Care may include:^3,9

• Psychotherapy to address eating disorder behaviors, body image concerns, and related thought patterns.
• Nutritional counseling and support to address nutritional deficiencies, establish regular eating patterns, and support overall eating disorder recovery.
• Medical monitoring when restriction, purging, or weight changes create health risks.
• Medication when clinically appropriate for certain eating disorders or co-occurring conditions.
• A higher level of care when medical or psychiatric risks are significant or outpatient treatment is insufficient to meet a person’s needs.

For some men, treatment may also need to address muscularity concerns, body image disturbances, compulsive exercise, stigma, or beliefs about masculinity.^1,7 Learn more about eating disorder treatment options and the different levels of care that may be available based on a person's needs.

Friends and family members can also play an important role in recognizing concerning changes and encouraging professional care. Learning how to help someone with an eating disorder can make it easier to approach these conversations with support and compassion.

Finding Help for an Eating Disorder

If you are concerned about your eating habits, exercise patterns, or body image, early intervention can make a significant difference, and you do not have to wait for symptoms to become severe before seeking support. Explore treatment options to learn what care may involve, or find eating disorder treatment centers and compare programs based on your individual needs.