Types of eating disorders that affect men
The diagnosis and outcome of eating disorders don’t discriminate by race, age or gender. Eating disorders are sorted into specific categories, defined by individual behaviours and markers. It can be easy to dismiss eating disorders as just starving yourself, but these complex and challenging mental illnesses span a massive range of areas and factors.
Anorexia Nervosa
Often the classic example of an eating disorder, anorexia nervosa can affect men and women alike. We often see anorexia portrayed in the context of extremely thin women, though BMI is not the only way this condition is diagnosed. Severe food restrictions, fear of weight gain and a highly distorted view of their body are key characteristics of anorexia. Learn more about anorexia nervosa.
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is one of the most misunderstood forms of eating disorder in men but is still incredibly important to understand. Lack of control around eating and eating a large amount of food in a short period without the ability to stop are critical components in binge eating disorder, as is the emotional distress and disgust that results from binge eating. Learn more about binge eating disorder.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia is the other ‘poster child’ of eating disorders and is one we have significant personal experience with. Bulimia is like binge eating disorder in terms of emotions and lack of control over eating. Additional purging behaviour such as over-exercising, causing vomiting or taking laxatives act as compensation for binges of food or drink. Learn more about bulimia nervosa.
OSFED and UFED
Previously referred to as EDNOS, OSFED (other specified feeding or eating disorder) and UFED (unspecified feeding or eating disorder) apply to eating disorders that don’t strictly fall into one category or diagnosis. More people than you may think fall into this category, where specific goalposts aren’t met for one of the more defined conditions. Learn more about OSFED and UFED.
Muscle Dysmorphia
As the only eating disorder that’s often considered male-oriented, muscle dysmorphia may be considered by some to be less serious than other eating disorders. However, this eating disorder is just as valid and requires the same level of care and attention, and carries significant risks in many cases. Muscle dysmorphia is the feeling of being too small, too weak or not muscular enough, resulting in excessive bulking and exercising. Learn more about muscle dysmorphia.