I recognise some of the symptoms of an eating disorder in myself, or in a man I know. Can men get eating disorders?

Yes. It is not the case that only women get eating disorders. Anyone can go through the kinds of stresses and worries that might lead to them developing an eating disorder – things like work or academic stress, bereavement, difficulties in an important relationship, struggles with body image etc. are not unique to one gender.

Eating disorders are not a sign of weakness or the fault of the person suffering, and anyone who is ill deserves support. The good news is that you can get treatment for an eating disorder, and full recovery is possible. Find out more about the signs and symptoms of eating disorders.

How many men have experience of an eating disorder?

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.

Is it true that more men are developing eating disorders?

You may have seen stories in the media that suggest more men are developing eating disorders. This is not necessarily the case. Some services have said that they are admitting more men, but this may mean that more men are seeking help, or more men are recognised as having eating disorders, rather than that more men are developing the illness.

For more information on eating disorders in men, click here.