Mel Wakeman: Around 25% of folk diagnosed with an eating disorder, are men.

This % is likely much higher due to lack of screening and diagnosis, treatment that is not accessible and limited research that doesn't just look at white cisgender men.

A recent UK survey revealed 1 in 5 had never spoken out about their struggles.

The men I have helped (mostly with binge eating) have usually not told anyone about what they are experiencing. They feel pathetic, a failure, scared and out of control.

Trying to pretend everything is OK whilst dealing with intrusive and all-consuming thoughts is EXHAUSTING and the effects can be devastating..

So here are some things you need to know:

Eating disorders don't have a look.

Men of ALL ages, races and ethnicities, with bodies of ALL weights, shapes and sizes can struggle with their eating.

Men engage with disordered eating behaviours (fasting / restriction, binge eating, purging) at almost the same rate as women.

Men are X3 more likely than women to have subthreshold Binge Eating Disorder (so they fall under the radar for diagnosis).

Gay men are 7 times more likely to report binge eating and 12 times more likely to report purging (vomit, use laxatives, or do an extreme amount of exercise) than heterosexual males.

Mortality rates are greater in men with Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa, compared to women.

Eating disorders hide in plain sight.

💠 Because of embarrassment and shame.

💠 Because of masking

💠 Because of gender stereotypes.

💠 Because of a lack of awareness and understanding so clues and symptoms go unnoticed by others, especially healthcare professionals.