When we hear the phrase “disordered eating” our minds often jump to thinking about women on restrictive diets who struggle with body image. While this stereotype can describe disordered eating, it is not just a female’s struggle, and this stereotype can be quite harmful. Males struggle with disordered eating too. And being an athlete increases the risk of this struggle. 30 to 50% of athletes exhibit disordered eating symptoms in their career. Research indicates that approximately 10-15% of male athletes may experience some form of disordered eating. We cannot talk about disordered eating in male athletes without talking about the stigma associated with it. Males are less likely to speak up about their disordered eating struggles due to fear of being judged and shamed. The stigma surrounding disordered eating in male athletes, or just males in general, also has an impact on the data. Meaning these numbers are likely to be significantly higher, but are skewed due to lack of reporting. In this blog, we will talk about myths of eating disorders in male athletes.
Myth #1: Male athletes with eating disorders will always be underweight
Reality: While some male athletes might be underweight, male athletes, or any athlete for that matter, can struggle with disordered eating and be in a “normal” weight range. This is why it’s important to look at behaviors and the distress an athlete’s behaviors are causing, rather than just what they look like. Any male at any weight or body composition can struggle with disordered eating. And anyone struggling deserves support and care. The concept of “normal weight range” or “normal BMI” can be very misleading and unhelpful when assessing for an eating disorder or disordered eating. Signs of disordered eating, outside of weight status, can include but are not limited to training outside of sport sanctioned activities, increased focus on the quality and “health” properties of foods, periods of restriction followed by binging, eating in secret, or cutting out certain foods/food groups. These can occur in any male athlete, even if they are not underweight.
Myth #2: Disordered eating concerns are less severe in male athletes because they do not have menstrual irregularities
Reality: Males do not have menstrual irregularities AND this does not mean their struggles with disordered eating or underfueling are less concerning. Disordered eating in males can cause hypogonadism. Consequences of hypogonadism can include low testosterone, decreased muscle mass, and low bone density. Low bone density puts the athlete at a higher risk for developing a stress fracture. Low testosterone and hormone disruptions can impact fertility and mental health. In fact, Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDS) was introduced as a way to combat this myth and to assess health and performance consequences of low energy availability. Prior to REDS, The Female Athlete Triad was used as a screening tool which left male athletes out of the conversation due to its specific loss of menstrual cycle criteria.
Myth #3: Eating disorders in male athletes only occur in aesthetic or weight class sports like wrestling or body building.
Reality: Male athletes in aesthetic or weight class sports are at a higher risk for developing disordered eating or an eating disorder, but this does not mean they are the only ones at risk of developing disordered eating or an eating disorder. Disordered eating in males can present in many different ways other than restricting to lose weight. And this can be experienced by males playing any sport. Male athletes may try to mask their disordered eating symptoms by saying they are to help their performance and reach certain goals. Disordered eating can also occur in male athletes who are trying to “bulk up” or “build muscle” to play a certain position and fit a particular mold. This might be seen as the athlete having “discipline” or “passion for their sport.” There is a fine line between what makes an athlete successful and driven and what makes them a good candidate for developing an eating disorder.
Myth #4: Male athletes with eating disorders always perform terribly.
Reality: Male athletes who are struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating may continue to perform quite well in their sport. At least for the short term. When addressing disordered eating with a male athlete, or any athlete, pushback is often given in relation to performance. “But I am playing my best right now” or “I am faster than I’ve ever been”. And this may be true, until it’s not. Performance benefits are often short lived, and the impacts of disordered eating can be long term. It is important to look outside of just performance benefits when looking at the overall impact of disordered eating.
Myth #5: Male athletes who develop disordered eating are always concerned with physical appearance.
Reality: Male athletes can struggle with body image the same way female athletes can. While the societal standards for males and females may be different, it does not mean it impacts one group less than the other. Male athletes may start to engage in disordered eating behaviors as a means to try to control the way their body looks. And disordered eating patterns may start for a totally separate reason. Athletes participating in weight class sports may go to disordered eating behaviors in order to meet weight class requirements. They may also change their eating habits as a way to try to enhance their performance. While we are aware that disordered eating for these reasons can still be harmful, it is important to note that not all disordered eating patterns are centered around body image or physical appearance concerns.
Final Thoughts on Eating Disorders in Male Athletes
Thank you for reading this resource on busting myths about eating disorders in male athletes. Eating disorders in male athletes always has been and continues to be an urgent issue that requires increased visibility and action. While eating disorders and disordered eating do not discriminate, and symptoms and behaviors can overlap, it is important to not lump male athletes with disordered eating into the same category as females. The conversation must continue to expand, breaking the stigma and ensuring that all male athletes receive the support they need to thrive both on and off the field, regardless of the way their disordered eating presents. By promoting awareness, having difficult conversations, and fostering supportive environments, we can help male athletes prioritize their health and well-being.
Kathryn is a weight-inclusive, anti-diet eating disorder dietitian at Courage to Nourish. She specializes in working with adolescents and families, athletes, and individuals recovering from ARFID. Kathryn sees clients in person at the Columbia, Maryland office and virtually throughout Virginia, Pennsylvania, DC, and Maryland. To schedule a discovery call with Kathryn, click here.
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