Boys and eating disorders

Eating disorders are not just a girl thing

Boys do get eating disorders too. If you are a boy and you think you have or know you have an eating disorder - you are not alone. This site is for you too. The message boards can be found here they can be a useful source of support.

Boys and eating disorders

Many people assume that eating disorders only affect teenage girls.  This is not true.  Research shows about a quarter of people affected by an eating disorder at school age are boys. Amongst adults at least 10% of people diagnosed as having an eating disorder are male. However there are probably many more undiagnosed cases because there is less chance of the condition being recognised in male sufferers.  Many males find it hard to ask for help especially when the doctor or counsellor does not recognise their symptoms. It can be really tough to ask for help but we have some suggestions here for you.

One of the most common symptoms of eating disorders in boys is an excessive concern about fitness leading to over–exercising.  This can put excessive pressure upon joints and lead to muscular complaints.  It may also strain heart and lungs. We have information on Athletes and Over-exercising here

There are many reasons why people develop eating disorders. Often there is not one single cause, but a series of events, feelings or pressures which make you feel unable to cope. These can include: low self esteem, family relationships, problems with friends, the death of someone special, problems at school (for example being bullied, pressure of exams etc.), lack of confidence, or sexual or emotional abuse. Many people talk about simply feeling ‘not good enough’. Lots of people with eating disorders say that the eating disorder is the only way they feel they can be in control of their life, but as time goes on it isn’t really you who is in control – it is the eating disorder. Some people also find they are affected by an urge to harm themselves or abuse alcohol or drugs. For more information about other issues click here and for further links to help click here.

The full medical names for anorexia and bulimia are Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.
For simplicity we have called them anorexia and bulimia. To learn more about different types of eating disorders click here

It’s important to know that not everyone will have the same symptoms, some people will have a mix of symptoms and you do not need to have all the symptoms to have a serious eating disorder.

You can also read more info about males and how eating disorders develop and info on how you can get better and books that could help on our main site. 

The beat youth services are here for you to talk things through with. If you don't feel like you can talk that;s fine, we have e-mail and text services too. You can find the details here

David Samuel's - Video

David Samuel is an amazing young man.  He has fulfilled his dream to qualify as a Doctor - despite his struggle with anorexia.  Watch David's message of hope to all young men and women, he tells how you can beat an eating disorder.

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