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.

Natural Foods and Supplements to Help Reduce High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other serious health issues. 

While medication can be essential for managing hypertension, diet and lifestyle changes can also have a significant impact. 

Certain foods and natural supplements contain compounds that help relax blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and support overall heart health. Here’s a guide to natural remedies that can help lower blood pressure.

1. Foods That Help Lower Blood Pressure

a. Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and other leafy greens are rich in potassium, which helps the kidneys remove excess sodium from the body, reducing blood pressure.

b. Berries

Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries contain high levels of flavonoids, which have been linked to lower blood pressure by improving blood vessel function.

c. Beetroot

Beets are packed with nitrates, which convert into nitric oxide in the body, helping to relax blood vessels and improve circulation. Drinking beet juice has been shown to have an almost immediate blood pressure-lowering effect.

d. Garlic

Garlic contains allicin, a compound that helps widen blood vessels and improve blood flow. Regular consumption of garlic or garlic supplements has been linked to lower blood pressure levels.

e. Bananas

Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, which helps balance sodium levels and relax blood vessels.

f. Oats

Oats contain beta-glucans, a type of fibre that has been shown to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by improving cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation.

g. Fatty Fish

Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and support heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving blood vessel function.

h. Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are packed with magnesium, which plays a key role in relaxing blood vessels and reducing blood pressure.

i. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate (with at least 70% cocoa) contains flavonoids that help improve blood vessel function and reduce blood pressure over time.

j. Pomegranate

Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants and have been shown to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure when consumed regularly as juice or whole fruit.

2. Natural Supplements for Lowering Blood Pressure

a. Magnesium

Magnesium helps relax blood vessels and is often used as a natural remedy for high blood pressure. Studies suggest that supplementing with magnesium can lead to modest reductions in blood pressure.

b. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that plays a role in energy production and heart health. Some research suggests it can help lower blood pressure by improving blood vessel function.

c. Omega-3 Fish Oil

Omega-3 supplements, particularly EPA and DHA, have been shown to reduce blood pressure, lower inflammation, and improve overall heart health.

d. Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea contains natural compounds that act as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, similar to some blood pressure medications. Drinking hibiscus tea regularly can help lower blood pressure naturally.

e. Beetroot Powder

Like whole beets, beetroot powder is rich in nitrates, which can support nitric oxide production and improve blood vessel function, leading to lower blood pressure.

f. L-Arginine

L-arginine is an amino acid that helps the body produce nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation, potentially reducing blood pressure.

g. Potassium Supplements

If dietary potassium intake is insufficient, potassium supplements can help balance sodium levels and reduce blood pressure. However, they should only be taken under medical supervision.

h. Hawthorn Extract

Hawthorn has been used in traditional medicine for heart health, as it may help dilate blood vessels, improve circulation, and lower blood pressure.

3. Lifestyle Tips for Managing Blood Pressure

While diet and supplements play a significant role, other lifestyle habits are crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure:

Reduce sodium intake by avoiding processed foods and using herbs and spices instead of salt.

Stay active with regular exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.

Manage stress through activities like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga.

Limit alcohol and caffeine, as excessive consumption can raise blood pressure.

Maintain a healthy weight, as excess weight puts additional strain on the heart.

Get enough sleep, as poor sleep is linked to higher blood pressure levels.

Final Thoughts

High blood pressure can often be managed naturally with the right diet, supplements, and lifestyle choices. Incorporating potassium-rich foods, omega-3 fatty acids, and nitric oxide boosters like beetroot and garlic into your diet can make a significant difference. However, if you’re on blood pressure medication, always consult your doctor before making major dietary changes or adding supplements.

By taking a natural approach to blood pressure management, you can support your heart health and reduce the risk of hypertension-related complications.

Can bacteria make us fat? Exploring the Link: Bacterial Lipid Metabolites and Obesity

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, posing significant health risks and challenges. 

While factors such as diet, genetics, and lifestyle contribute to this complex condition, emerging research suggests that the gut microbiota and its metabolites play a crucial role. 

In recent years, attention has turned to bacterial lipid metabolites and their potential contribution to obesity. Understanding this intricate relationship could pave the way for innovative approaches in obesity prevention and management.

The Gut Microbiota and Lipid Metabolism:

As That's Food and Drink has pointed out in recent blog posts, the human gut harbours a diverse community of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiota, which play a vital role in maintaining health. 

Among the myriad functions of these microbes is their involvement in lipid metabolism, the process by which fats are broken down, absorbed, and utilised within the body. Bacterial lipid metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and secondary bile acids, are byproducts of microbial fermentation in the gut.

Short-chain fatty acids, like acetate, propionate, and butyrate, are produced when gut bacteria ferment dietary fibre. These SCFAs have been implicated in various physiological processes, including energy regulation, immune function, and inflammation. Similarly, secondary bile acids, formed through the biotransformation of primary bile acids by gut bacteria, also exert metabolic effects within the host.

Role of Bacterial Lipid Metabolites in Obesity:

Growing evidence suggests alterations in the composition and activity of the gut microbiota can contribute to obesity. 

Dysbiosis, or imbalance in gut microbial communities, has been observed in individuals with obesity compared to leaner counterparts. Moreover, studies in both animal models and humans have highlighted the role of bacterial lipid metabolites in this context.

Energy Harvesting and Storage:

SCFAs produced by gut bacteria can influence energy homeostasis by serving as a source of calories for the host. Butyrate, in particular, has been shown to promote the expression of genes involved in lipid synthesis and storage in adipose tissue, potentially contributing to adiposity. Additionally, SCFAs can modulate the release of gut hormones, such as leptin and ghrelin, which regulate appetite and energy expenditure.

Inflammation and Insulin Resistance:

Chronic low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance are hallmark features of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Bacterial lipid metabolites have been implicated in the modulation of inflammatory pathways and insulin sensitivity. 

For instance, butyrate exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and promoting the generation of regulatory T cells. Conversely, certain bile acids, such as deoxycholic acid, can induce pro-inflammatory responses and impair insulin signaling.

Gut Barrier Function:

The integrity of the intestinal barrier, which prevents the translocation of harmful substances from the gut into systemic circulation, is compromised in obesity. SCFAs play a role in maintaining gut barrier function by promoting the production of mucin and enhancing tight junction integrity. Conversely, dysregulated bile acid metabolism has been linked to increased intestinal permeability and endotoxemia, which can exacerbate metabolic dysfunction.

The intricate interplay between the gut microbiota and host metabolism underscores the complexity of obesity. Bacterial lipid metabolites represent a nexus through which gut microbes influence various aspects of energy homeostasis, inflammation, and metabolic health. 

While research in this field is still evolving, targeting the gut microbiota and its metabolites holds promise as a novel therapeutic approach for obesity prevention and management. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying the contribution of bacterial lipid metabolites to obesity and to translate these findings into clinical interventions.

(Image courtesy by TreesRGreen from Pixabay)