How Prevalent is Binge Eating Among Men?
For many people, disordered eating is something that happens to girls and women. This perception holds up when you consider that 90 percent of those with anorexia and bulimia are female. However, Binge Eating Disorder (BED) strikes both sexes almost equally. At least 40 percent of those with BED are male. The number is likely higher because men are both less likely to recognize the condition or report it.
This so-called “women’s disease” is crossing over due mainly to some cultural shifts. Instead of changing how impossible body standards are imposed on girls and women, similar standards are now haunting men and boys.
What is “Acceptable”?
While women have often been expected to be thin to be accepted, men have historically dogged that unhealthy trend. Part of this has to do with new images being pushed by all forms of media. In addition, the imposition of social media into our lives 24/7 has taught too many people to prioritize image over reality.
Male role models increasingly feature unrealistic and unreal body types. It could be the result of dangerous, restrictive diets and spending too much time in the gym. In other cases, these body types are literally fake. Digital imagery can fool even the most tech-savvy consumer. As a result, males are being triggered more often — and they may not even realize it. Again, eating disorders are considered “women’s diseases.” So males and the people in their lives — including some medical professionals — do not even consider this possibility. This puts them at risk for some serious impacts.
How BED Usually Looks and Feels
The technical definition involves someone rapidly consuming large quantities of food (i.e., thousands of calories):
In a single two-hour time period/sitting
At least twice a week
Such behavior is often triggered by feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and the results of past trauma (like bullying). Unlike other eating disorders, BED does not require purging to take place in order for the diagnosis to be applied. Other signs to look for include:
Feeling anxious and/or angry right before you overeat
Experiencing a sense of self-loathing or disgust after binging
Eating to comfort oneself rather than when you’re hungry
Not stopping even when you feel full
Feeling out of control while eating
Hiding food and eating alone (in secret)
Becoming obsessive about dieting and exercise in the name of weight control
Signs like this are common for both men and women. But, as noted above, far fewer men will own up to it. Another component of their cultural conditioning makes them see such an admission as a “weakness” to be carefully avoided.
So, Now What?
Our society needs some two-pronged changes. In a micro sense, awareness must be raised around the prevalence of BED in men and boys. It must be normalized for them to feel okay asking for help. Secondly, in the bigger picture, all of us have a huge stake in unhealthy standards. Cultural norms only thrive when individuals remain silent. The more people who stand up to dangerous trends, the faster those trends are exposed.
If you or someone you know is struggling with Binge Eating Disorder, help is available. Please feel free to reach out today to learn more and get support.
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