Men Struggle Too. Recognising and Treating Anorexia in Males: What You Need to Know

When we think of eating disorders, particularly anorexia, the image that comes to mind is often female. But anorexia nervosa affects people of all genders—including men. 

In fact, research suggests that around one in four individuals with anorexia are male. Despite this, anorexia in males is frequently underdiagnosed, underreported, and misunderstood.

Here’s what you need to know about identifying and treating anorexia in males—whether for yourself, someone you love, or within your professional sphere.

What Is Anorexia?

Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition characterised by:

Restrictive eating and extreme calorie control

An intense fear of gaining weight

A distorted body image

In men, these signs can be accompanied by other symptoms that may look different to the typical female presentation—making it more difficult to spot.

Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia in Males

While core symptoms are similar across genders, the way they manifest in men can vary. Here are some key indicators to watch out for:

Physical signs:

Noticeable weight loss or failure to maintain a healthy weight

Fatigue, dizziness, and frequent illness due to a weakened immune system

Digestive issues, constipation, or stomach pain

Muscle loss and low testosterone levels

Cold intolerance (always feeling cold)

Behavioural signs:

Obsessive focus on food, calories, or “clean eating”

Excessive exercise, often prioritised over other commitments

Avoidance of meals, social situations involving food, or making excuses not to eat

Extreme self-control or rigidity around eating routines

Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression

Psychological signs:

Distorted perception of body image—may see themselves as overweight even when underweight

Low self-esteem and intense fear of weight gain

Denial of the seriousness of low body weight

Men may also experience muscle dysmorphia, a form of body dysmorphia where individuals perceive themselves as insufficiently muscular rather than thin—leading to over-exercise, restrictive dieting, or misuse of supplements.

Why Anorexia in Males Often Goes Undiagnosed

Stigma: Eating disorders are still viewed as "female problems," which can make it harder for men to seek help or even recognise their symptoms.

Different presentation: Symptoms like excessive gym use or “clean eating” may be culturally normalised or even praised in men.

Misdiagnosis: Males may be misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety without the underlying eating disorder being addressed.

How to Get Help

If you or someone you know may be struggling with anorexia, early intervention is crucial. Recovery is possible, and the sooner treatment begins, the better the outcomes.

Steps to take:

Speak to a GP: They can provide an initial assessment and referrals to eating disorder specialists.

Seek a specialist: Treatment often involves a multidisciplinary team including a therapist, dietitian, and medical doctor.

Therapy options:

CBT-E (Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is a leading approach for adults with anorexia.

Family-Based Therapy (FBT) can be effective for adolescents and young adults.

Support networks: Encouragement and understanding from family, friends, or peer support groups can make a big difference.

Supporting a Male with Anorexia

Listen without judgement: Be present and non-critical.

Avoid body or food-related comments, even if well-meaning.

Educate yourself: Understanding anorexia helps reduce stigma and improve your ability to help.

Encourage professional help, but avoid forcing it—recovery must be a personal choice.

Anorexia in males is real, serious, and often hidden behind stereotypes. But with awareness, support, and professional treatment, recovery is not only possible—it’s entirely achievable. The key lies in recognising the signs early and challenging the stigma that prevents so many men from reaching out.

If you're worried about someone (or yourself), don’t wait. Speak up. Help is out there—and it starts with a conversation.

Recognising and Treating Anorexia in Males: What You Need to Know

Anorexia nervosa is often misunderstood as a condition that only affects women. But in the UK, around 25% of people with anorexia are male, and that number may be higher due to underdiagnosis and stigma. Eating disorders don’t discriminate—they affect people of all genders, backgrounds, and body types.

Here’s how to spot the signs of anorexia in men and what treatment options are available, with UK-based resources to help.

Updated UK Stats and Facts

According to Beat, the UK’s leading eating disorder charity, approximately 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder.

Of these, around 25% are male, although many experts believe this is an underestimate.

Men are less likely to seek help due to stigma, lack of awareness, and misdiagnosis.

Where to Get Help in the UK

If you suspect you or someone else may be struggling with anorexia, these UK-based services and organisations can help:

1. Beat Eating Disorders

Website: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

Offers helplines, online support groups, and guidance for those struggling and their families.

2. NHS Eating Disorder Services

Start with your GP, who can refer you to an eating disorder specialist team.

In England, services are available via CAMHS (for children) or adult mental health services.

3. Men Get Eating Disorders Too

Website: www.mengetedstoo.co.uk

A charity specifically supporting men affected by eating disorders, offering peer support and resources.

4. Mind

Website: www.mind.org.uk

While not eating disorder-specific, Mind offers mental health support and guidance on accessing services.

The Concerning Trend of Plate-Pushing Among Young Women When Eating Out

Eating out is meant to be a social and enjoyable experience, a time to share good food, laughter, and conversation. 

However, a worrying trend is becoming more noticeable among young women: the practice of pushing food around their plates rather than actually eating it. This behaviour, while subtle, raises important questions about self-image, societal pressures, and mental health.

The Rise of 'Plate-Pushing'

If you've ever been out to dinner with a group of young women, you may have noticed a few participants poking at their meals, taking small bites, or leaving large portions untouched. For some, this is a one-off occurrence; for others, it has become a frequent habit. This phenomenon, often referred to as "plate-pushing," may seem innocuous, but it reflects deeper societal issues around food, body image, and social expectations.

While there’s nothing wrong with not finishing a meal or having a lighter appetite, the problem arises when the act of avoiding food becomes a display of control or self-restraint. For many, the act of eating, or not eating, has become tied to appearance, peer judgement, and fear of criticism. And the advent of schools warning parents that their children are 'too fat.'

The Impact of Social Media and Beauty Standards

One of the major factors driving this trend is the pervasive influence of social media. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have created an environment where image is everything. The pressure to conform to a certain body type—one that is often unachievable for the vast majority—has led many young women to equate thinness with worth. As a result, there’s a growing concern about how food and eating habits are viewed through a lens of self-control, particularly in public settings.

For some, the fear of being judged for eating “too much” in front of others becomes overwhelming. Plate-pushing becomes a way of signalling discipline, of aligning with the thin, idealised bodies seen across media platforms. Even in situations meant to bring pleasure—such as dining out—the anxiety of how one is perceived can overpower the enjoyment of the moment.

The Role of Peer Pressure

Eating out is often a communal activity, and the influence of friends or social circles can be profound. If a few people at the table are skipping meals, nibbling on salads, or simply avoiding their food, it can create an unspoken pressure for others to do the same. This subtle peer pressure can lead to feelings of guilt or shame around eating, even when one is hungry.

The result? Many young women feel they must conform to the group's behaviour, opting to push food around their plate rather than indulging in it. This isn’t just about fitting in—it can also be about avoiding the potential of being labelled as 'gluttonous' or 'indulgent'.

Mental Health and Disordered Eating

The concern about this plate-pushing trend lies not only in societal pressures but also in its connection to mental health and disordered eating. What begins as a social habit can quickly evolve into something more serious, such as restrictive eating patterns or full-blown eating disorders. Conditions like anorexia nervosa or orthorexia often have roots in behaviours that revolve around an unhealthy relationship with food.

When young women constantly feel pressured to restrict their food intake, they may develop harmful eating patterns that are difficult to break. These habits can take a significant toll on both physical and mental well-being. Eating out should be an opportunity to enjoy food without judgement, yet for many, it has become a source of stress and anxiety.

Breaking the Cycle

So, what can be done to address this issue? First and foremost, we need to normalise the act of eating. Society must move away from the narrative that certain body types are more desirable than others. All body types should be celebrated, and food should be seen as nourishment and a source of joy, not as an enemy to be controlled.

Conversations around food and body image should be open and honest. It’s essential to teach young women that their worth is not tied to how much or how little they eat. Education on healthy eating, body positivity, and the dangers of comparison is crucial in creating a healthier mindset around food.

Friends and family can also play an important role by fostering supportive environments. Encouraging each other to enjoy meals without judgement can make a significant difference. The simple act of enjoying food together can be a powerful tool in combating unhealthy societal norms.

Conclusion

The trend of plate-pushing among young women when dining out may seem minor, but it reflects a broader issue of societal pressures and the damaging ideals perpetuated by social media and beauty standards. Addressing this behaviour requires a collective shift in how we talk about food, body image, and self-worth. Ultimately, we must move towards a world where eating is not something to be ashamed of, but something to be celebrated.

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/anorexia/overview/

https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/i-need-support-now/helplines/

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/mental-health-conditions/bulimia/

Please note the image used was computer generated.