Eating Disorders can impact anyone: Male, Female, Old, Young. They DO NOT discriminate.
It’s been a long-standing myth that eating disorders are strictly a female issue. With more than half of all eating disorder sufferers being female, it’s no surprise that most people see these awful disorders as affecting only women. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In recent years more and more men (or those who identify as such) have begun to speak out about their own problems with body image, food, and weight.
In the last few years both Sam Smith and Dr.Who actor, Christopher Eccleston, have spoken out about their struggles in regard to poor body image and life-altering eating disorders. They are among
It’s no surprise that famous actors and musicians find themselves struggling with body image, no matter their gender identity. The media is notoriously ruthless when it comes to the perfect size and shape of all humans, not just females, and so it’s only natural that males will become swept away by it all too.
But body issues and eating disorders aren’t reserved for the rich and famous.
“Studies suggest that up to a quarter of sufferers are male. But the stigma around eating disorders, and around male sufferers, means that we can’t say for certain – many men may go undiagnosed. What is certain is that if you’re male and worried about yourself, you’re not alone. There are many men who share your experience.”
BEAT Eating Disorders.
Eating Disorders Aren’t Discriminatory Against Gender: Discussing a male perspective.
By Johnny March
There are 3 million documented cases of depression every year within the United States (1). This figure doesn’t include the number of people who’ve been previously diagnosed.
I’m a twenty-eight-year-old male of Hispanic and Caucasian descent and am among the millions of people struggling with mental illness. For me personally, suffering from Major Depressive Disorder has taken quite a toll on my mental health and wellbeing. Incidentally, I’ve also fell victim to co-occurring disorders due to a combination of chemical imbalances and genetic circumstances. I’m also a survivor of Substance Use Disorder, though I battled this insidious disease for far too many years. It’s hard to be precise, but a rough estimate of when my addiction began to bedevil me was when I reached the age of thirteen.
“I’ve been in sobriety for coming up on a year, yet this doesn’t mean that I’ve not switched out addictions.”
After choosing to abstain from heroin with the assistance of a local detoxification facility, I decided to go onto Suboxone Maintenance, in conjunction with my psychiatric medications. Frankly, it’s saved my life. The mere act of being prescribed maintenance meds is not sufficient in itself to remain removed entirely from opiates. There’s other footwork needed in order to ultimately better ourselves. Some people prefer twelve-step meetings, whereas others prefer to occupy their time with activities to aid in alleviating cravings. I’ve become passionate about yoga, reading, and working a legitimate job. The phrase, “move a muscle, change a thought,” has averted quite a few relapses for me.
Battling Addiction.
Over a year ago, I admitted myself into a long-term drug rehabilitation center for what felt like the hundredth time. This was my desperate attempt to prevent the possibility of using drugs again. At that moment, I couldn’t be certain that I would stick to my devised plan of incorporating self-help meetings and a 9 to 5 job into my newfound life. So, I used better judgment instead of becoming overwhelmed by racing thoughts and went to the aforementioned long-term rehab residence. During my stay, I became a different form of “junkie.”
“Instead of opiates, I came to be an exercise addict.”
The problem with exercise addiction is that it releases endorphins and dopamine, both of which tie to the same neurotransmitters as drug use (2). These “feel-good” chemicals produced a similar feeling of euphoria, comparable to opioids. I relished catching a buzz off of something deemed so healthy, yet this was simply compensating one compulsive behaviour for another.
Substance abuse taught me to be stealth, making it relatively easy to sneak a cell phone in. From there I initiated conversation with a woman named Megan, a childhood friend. We began to speak quite frequently, and before I knew it, I was head over heels for her.
“I refused to allow love to become an addiction. Unconditional love is what I longed for.”
Megan and I had our first date at a pizzeria during an allotted visit. There, she informed me of how she suffers from Anorexia Nervosa. Being relatively uninformed in regards to eating disorders, I hadn’t realized how serious and habit-forming they can be. That is until I subsequently became afflicted with an eating disorder myself.
Before becoming OFSED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder), I learned about calorie-counting and controlled eating. I only preoccupied myself with foods high in protein and specific types of fats. My daily caloric intake, in the midst of the excessive workout spree I embarked on in rehab, was more than I needed to maintain my weight. Truthfully, the thought of a low-calorie diet never crossed my mind until after being discharged from rehab. I was determined to eat and work out enough to bulk up, not to slim down. Unfortunately, I developed a degree of body dysmorphia and inevitably it got the better of me.
I thought I was fond of my muscular physique, yet somehow I looked in the mirror and I felt a strong desire to be thin. Quickly I found myself sinking into a depression with no apparent expiration date. So like my lover, I set on a journey to restrict my own calories. Bingo, I’d swapped addictions once again.
“Not only did this feeling of self-control satiate the void inside of me, but it also gave me a sense of accomplishment each time the scale showed my weight drop.”
However, Megan was on to my caloric decrease more hastily than a squirrel spotting a nut. She was unable to comprehend why I wasn’t eating a sufficient amount, the amount deemed crucial for survival. Instead of fighting, I told her the truth when questioned. I explained how I’d observed (and eventually mimicked) her anorexic behaviors and “tricks,” bringing about my commitment to follow suit. Granted, she advised against it but I’ve always been one who needs to learn from my own mistakes.
My weight began to dwindle as did my formally healthy BMI. In the beginning, the self-restraint these actions required provided me comfort, eventually, they would bring me nothing but despair.
I can recall when I was once trained in MMA and thought that I looked great. Currently, my body shape is significantly different. When Megan told me out of concern that I was becoming too skinny too quickly, I couldn’t believe it. I thought I’d only been in a state of severe depression, which often leads to a suppressed appetite. But I’d deceived myself, and there was no doubt that I was suffering from OFSED. I was restricting for days and was exhibiting several symptoms including dizziness, constant hunger and fatigue.
“Finally I decided that enough was enough!”
I picked myself up, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, and gradually increased my intake to prevent the risk of refeeding syndrome. In a bid to regulate my moods, I began to practice yoga and meditation regularly. I also fitted a pull-up bar to an internal doorway, and take advantage of this routinely. From then I made a promise to myself: My mental health and eating habits were to be my highest priority going forward.
I’ve since done some heavy research into the world of eating disorders. It was frightening for me to believe that it takes the most lives every year, more so than any other psychiatric illness. It’s thought that every sixty-two minutes someone dies as a result of intentional malnourishment, and over thirty billion of the US population are through to suffer from some sort of eating disorder.
There needs to be more awareness brought to eating disorders and their deadly impact. I don’t feel as if eating disorder awareness is as publicized as it should be. I’m only one of many people who have undergone this burden, and I’ve planned to take action against mine.
As a male, I wish I had the body figure of some of these athletic and ripped-up actors, but at what cost? I almost became a statistic from one disease due to five overdoses, and I refuse to be a statistic from a different disorder.
“My name is John Marchese and I’m an addict. I can proudly say I’m currently in recovery from OFSED, and I hope that anyone who can identify with my story has gained the inspiration and motivation they need to recover.”
If you’re struggling with an eating disorder, no matter whether you’re male or female, please visit BEAT for help and advice.
BEAT are the UK’s Eating Disorder Charity. They deal with various eating disorders in male, female or non-binary, and can help point you in the right direction.
There are also various other charities available worldwide to help advise and support you through treatment. You can find a full list of these here.
72 Comments
Thank you for this important post.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and respond. x
this is very sad I know that men and to hide their feelings but a eating disorder it has to take a very very heavy price on them.
totally understand I have personally known both males and females that have suffered from eating disorders. In highschool there were a set of twin brothers who were a bit over weight one of which ended up struggling with bulimia It was a big secret and he ended up needed treatment to help him get over it. I pray for all those affected by eating disorders thanks for sharing
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Thank you for sharing. They are such complex things to deal with. I’m glad he ended up getting help though. Often bulimia & BED are very misunderstood and therefore don’t receive the same treatment as anorexia.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
x
It really is an undiscussed topic. When my son suddenly lost a lot of weight, I immediately talked about eating disorders with him. My sister almost died from anorexia so I know how serious it can be. Thank you for sharing this post.
Thank you so much for sharing your story! It is so important. I really had no idea that it affected men just as much as women! I never thought about it. Thank you for your post!!
Thank you so much for reaching out and comments. I hope your son is doing better now and his weight loss wasn’t ED related. I am also very sorry to hear about your sister. I hope she is also doing better now.
Sending much love! x
I am always grateful when people share their stories. They can help so many others. You don’t hear a lot of men sharing about their eating disorders.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I would love to hear from more men who have been afflicted with eating disorders as I believe it isn’t talked about enough.
Thanks for raising awareness as per how men go through eating disorders. True it is often associated with women and men’s voices are often dismissed when talking about it. So it is really important to talk about it
Thank you so much for reading and commenting. x
What a vulnerable and honest post. I appreciate your honesty and ability to shine a light on a little discussed demographic.
Thank you so much for reading. John did an excellent job. x
I think it’s so helpful for people to share their stories, because that may make someone else feel less alone. This is a powerful share, thank you Nyxie.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting. 🙂 x
Wow I didn’t realize that it affected so many people and that it takes more lives than any other mental illness. I can’t say that I wish for this to happen to me as that would be mocking the people who have it, but I suppose sometimes we can’t really choose the problems that are given to us.
Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to comment. This is certainly not a disorder you should wish for. It’s horrendous.
I have a son who is obsessed with lifting weights. At times I do worry about his mental health
As long as he is aware of when it goes from a hobby to addiction, then it should be fine. But it is a fine line.
I love how you presented this topic from a male’s perspective. Usually, it is really us who struggle with these. Those who can read this will surely be uplifted. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment.
What a great collaboration this is! This aspect of eating disorders doesn’t get nearly enough attention. There are so few guys that are willing to admit it, let alone publicly. And for whatever reason, it seems to be too taboo, like it is a great struggle for women and we are going to help them, but for men, they should just figure it out themselves and heal on their own quickly. And don’t talk about it because we don’t want to be made to feel uncomfortable. There should be empathy for all, regardless of gender or circumstances.
Eating disorder can happens to everybody at any age and any genders. Sometimes we thought is it their nature that men eats a lot, but it isn’t. A book like this is very helpful.
Thank you for reading and commenting! x
I pray for all those people who are suffering from eating disorders and hope that they overcome it soon. I am glad that this book will help so many people. Keep up the good work
Such an eye opening post. It does look like males are stereotyped as the ones who eat a lot and having eating disorders are more common in females. You proved otherwise. Thank you for your honesty and for writing this post. Wishing you well and praying for you.
Thank you for reading. John did an excellent job on this. x
The only word I can say right now is “Thanks.” Stay strong.
Thank you. x
Wow! This is such an eye opener. I guess I never thought of men suffering from eat disorders so I did not think it existed. Thanks for sharing your story so that we can be well educated in this area.
Sadly more men suffer than we know about. It’s great that John was willing to speak out about it and I hope to have more men come forward in the future.
Thank you for commenting. x
I never thought about the male side of battling eating disorders. Thanks for sharing your story as it brings light to a serious issues and something we never heard before.
Thank you so much for reading. x
Wow, thank you for being so vulnerable and sharing your story. Awareness is key for some.
Thank you for shedding light on this problem. Men don’t have enough support for mental health issues. Bringing awareness is so important for recovery
This is a very powerful post. It is so important to speak out on such matters as it helps others to so to. Thank you for sharing and raising awareness on such issues.
Prayers for those who are dealing with eating disorders! Education and good support is so important
We definitely don’t highlight MALE eating disorders enough and they truly should be stressed because they are JUST AS important to talk about that female eating disorders!
I feel like the mind always jumps to women when we discuss eating disorders. Really, it is a male issue as well and I think it is great you are bringing that to light.
This is a good topic to discuss because eating disorders can affect both males and females.
This was a great read. I have never heard it from the male perspective and it’s nice to bring light to both sides.
I am so glad you wrote from this perspective. I think so many people think of this as only a female disorder, when it’s not!
This is such a great blog to read! Eating Disorders is a sensitive topic and it’s really nice of you to share this experience with us. You are not only inspiring but also motivating those people who have the same experience as you!
Thanks for sharing! As a runner, every pound means extra time on your mile. Me and my running community all have been affected by some sort of an eating disorder ranging from mild to severe. Both sexes are affected as well.
very very well done for talking about Men and Eating Disorders ..i have had BOTH Anorexic and Bulimea BECAUSE i was bullied then Abused as a child.i am not afraid too say not afraid to talk about it.my story of abuse is in a Authors book.people never see the every day effects .there views/judgements are very Snotty Nosed
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This is a different perspective of a disorder. Usually its females that suffer from it when it is talked about. A lot of times its a topic that people try to avoid.
Such an important post. We tend to overlook men when it comes to anexoria. They are just as susteptible to the causes as women.
I never even thought about men suffering from eating disorders, but it makes sense. Why not? It makes sense that men and women could have trouble with body image, but I found it really interesting to hear your perspective. It’s interesting how depression can turn into other issues and then addictions can replace each other with new addictions. Great post.
Men are very underrepresented in this place. I automatically think women when it comes to eating disorders.
This is a great post since a lot may have overlooked issues like these eating disorders. Thank you for being open and for bringing this up
I’m so glad you brought this up. When I was in high school a lot of wrestlers had to gain and drop weight to make their matches. But outside of sports, I have seen this in men. It’s not just over eating, it is also over exercising. These issues for men are usually swept under the rug. Good on you for bringing them to the forefront.
Thank you for shedding some light on this perspective. No matter gender, everyone’s issues are valid and important.
I’m glad to see more people speaking up about this – Thank you for taking the time to spread the word and raise awareness from this very real group of people suffering often in the shadows. It’s really important to recognize not only the most common people suffering from a condition, but also those that may be existing on the fringes, as they are so often overlooked and under represented – Not only does this mean that friends/family may overlook their struggles but they may also feel that they can’t come forward as they don’t see acknowledgement of others ‘like them’. The more we talk about it, the better we can break down this wall and open the door to the resources that they require and deserve as much as the next person!
I know someone takes all these supplements and is obsessed with working out. It’s alot because they are fearful.
This is such a brave post to share and you’re so right, it doesn’t discriminate and I think bringing a male’s perspective onto your blog was a really important and wise thing to do x
This was such an interesting read. It’s easy to forget that men can also be affected by eating disorders, and not just women. It’s so brave to come forward.
You don’t hear or read much about eating disorders affecting men, and I think that it because most of them prefer to stay silent, fearful of asking for help.
Thank you for sharing your powerful and heartfelt story. I think it’s message will go a long way and open the door for other men to speak more openly about this.
Thank you for sharing this perspective. I used to work in the public health field, specifically with eating disorders and this perspective isn’t shared enough.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I hope to have more men/non-binary to come forward to talk about their experiences because women are so frequently heard against these other groups.
What a great read! Thanks for sharing this information.
Thank you 🙂
great post! different perspective is always useful for people
this is a great article! You are right i never really viewed eating disorders as something men do, because I have only seen it in Women. even on tv and movies they only show women with these issues. More light certainly needs to be shed on this!
What a fabulous article. I guess I never really considered mean as having eating disorders. I was bulemic for a time in high school and really only assumed that it was women that struggled with such things. Thanks for the eye opener. Luckily I was able to get past it rather quickly.
That’s good that you didn’t allow love to become an addiction. You need to find the right love and not be in love with love. Definitely mental well being is such an important thing. And it can hinder our relationship with food when things go wrong. Thank you for bringing attention to this issue from a male perspective.
This is such an important topic to discuss and especially from a male perspective. It’s usually associated with women. Thank you for sharing x
I agree with your readers who think that your efforts to educate people who see ED in stereotypes are completely splendid. You did a great job letting this fellow fill a “guest-blogging role,” if that’s what went on. Keep up the incredible blogging.
He did an excellent job in this role. I hope to have more people come forward to tell their stories also.
Thank you for reading. x
I loved seeing a male perspective of this disease. As someone who suffered from an eating disorder this really spoke to me!
Thank you for reading. x