Last Updated: November 2026
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Marjaneh Rouhani, M.D., Board-Certified Psychiatrist
Clinical Expertise: Mental health assessment and treatment, including eating disorders and related psychological conditions.
Eating disorders are not limited to women and girls. Men and boys can also experience serious eating-related conditions, but their symptoms may go unnoticed because of common misconceptions about who develops these disorders.
Concerns about muscularity, restrictive dieting, excessive exercise, and secretive eating can sometimes be mistaken for ordinary fitness habits.
So, which eating disorder is most common among men and boys? Research comparing binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa identifies binge eating disorder (BED) as the most prevalent among adult men and adolescent boys in the cited U.S. estimates.
Understanding its symptoms, causes, and treatment options can help individuals and families recognize when professional support may be needed.
What Is the Most Common Eating Disorder in Men?
According to U.S. lifetime prevalence estimates discussed in a 2022 evidence review published in JAMA, binge eating disorder was more common among adult men than anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
| Eating disorder | Estimated lifetime prevalence in adult men |
| Binge eating disorder | 0.42% |
| Anorexia nervosa | 0.12% |
| Bulimia nervosa | 0.08% |
These figures indicate that binge eating disorder had the highest estimated lifetime prevalence among the three conditions compared.
You can explore the 2022 JAMA evidence review on eating disorder screening for additional research information.
Understanding the psychological roots of eating disorders can help explain the emotional and behavioral factors behind them.
What Is the Most Common Eating Disorder in Boys?
Eating disorders can also affect teenage boys. In U.S. research involving adolescents aged 12–17, binge eating disorder had the highest estimated lifetime prevalence among boys when compared with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
| Eating disorder | Estimated lifetime prevalence in boys |
| Binge eating disorder | 1.3% |
| Bulimia nervosa | 0.5% |
| Anorexia nervosa | 0.3% |
These estimates highlight the importance of recognizing eating disorder symptoms in boys, not just girls.
Note: These are U.S. research estimates, not universal prevalence rates. They compare three specific diagnoses and should not be interpreted as covering every eating disorder.
Learn more about how eating disorders affect mental health and their impact on emotional well-being and daily life
What Is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge eating disorder is a condition involving repeated episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food while experiencing a loss of control over eating.
A person may:
- Eat more quickly than usual during a binge episode.
- Continue eating despite feeling uncomfortably full.
- Eat when they are not physically hungry.
- Eat alone or secretly because of embarrassment.
- Experience guilt, shame, or distress afterward.
Unlike occasional overeating, binge eating disorder involves recurring episodes that cause significant distress.
How Is Binge Eating Disorder Different From Bulimia?
Both conditions can involve binge eating, but there is an important difference:
- Binge eating disorder: Recurrent binge episodes occur without regular compensatory behaviors intended to prevent weight gain.
- Bulimia nervosa: Binge episodes are followed by recurring compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, fasting, or misuse of laxatives.
For more information, read the NIDDK guide to binge eating disorder.
What Are the Signs of Eating Disorders in Men and Boys?
Eating disorders can appear differently from person to person. Some men experience binge eating, while others develop restrictive eating habits, excessive exercise patterns, or intense concerns about body shape.
Common warning signs include:
- Frequently skipping meals or following extreme diets.
- Eating secretly or avoiding meals with others.
- Feeling unable to control eating during certain episodes.
- Exercising excessively despite illness, exhaustion, or injury.
- Becoming overly focused on weight, appearance, or muscle definition.
- Feeling guilty, anxious, or ashamed after eating.
- Withdrawing from social activities involving food.
In teenage boys, parents may also notice changes in mood, concentration, energy, or eating routines.
Important: A person does not need to be underweight to have an eating disorder. These conditions can affect people of different body sizes and physical appearances.
The National Institute of Mental Health’s eating disorder guide explains symptoms, health effects, and treatment considerations.
What Causes Eating Disorders in Men?
There is no single cause of eating disorders. They can develop through a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors.
Common contributing factors include:
- Genetics and biology: Family history and biological factors may influence vulnerability.
- Mental health concerns: Anxiety, depression, and emotional distress may contribute to unhealthy eating behaviors.
- Body image pressure: Expectations to appear lean, muscular, or physically strong can affect self-esteem.
- Bullying and criticism: Negative comments about weight or appearance may increase body dissatisfaction.
- Restrictive dieting: Extreme food restrictions and unhealthy weight-control practices can contribute to disordered eating.
Muscle dysmorphia may also be relevant to some men’s body image concerns. It involves an intense preoccupation with not being sufficiently muscular. It is classified as a form of body dysmorphic disorder, not an eating disorder, although unhealthy eating and exercise behaviors may overlap.
Eating disorders are not simply about food or willpower. They involve complex factors and deserve professional attention.
Explore the connection between eating disorders and mental health and understand how professional support can help with recovery.
How Are Eating Disorders in Men and Boys Treated?
Eating disorders are treatable. The right approach depends on the individual’s symptoms, diagnosis, age, and overall health.
Treatment may include:
- Psychotherapy: Helps individuals understand and address distressing thoughts and behaviors related to food and body image.
- Nutritional support: Helps establish healthier eating patterns and address nutritional needs.
- Medication management: Medication may be considered when clinically appropriate, including for certain co-occurring conditions.
- Family support: Parents and caregivers can play an important role in supporting teenagers.
- Medical monitoring: Helps healthcare professionals assess physical health and monitor progress.
Early assessment can help identify concerns and guide an appropriate treatment plan.
When Should Someone Seek Professional Help?
Men and boys should consider professional support when eating habits, exercise behaviors, or body image concerns begin affecting their physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, school, or work.
Seek an assessment if someone repeatedly experiences loss of control while eating, follows extreme food restrictions, exercises compulsively, or feels persistent distress around food and appearance.
You do not need to wait until symptoms become severe to ask for help.
If someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts or an emotional crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24/7. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department.
Get Eating Disorder Support at MiMood
Recognizing an eating disorder can be difficult, especially when symptoms do not match common stereotypes. Men and boys deserve understanding and access to appropriate mental health support.
At MiMood Behavioral Health Care, P.C., individuals and families can explore eating disorder treatment options in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. Care may include psychiatric evaluation, therapy, medication management when appropriate, and support based on individual needs.
Learn more about eating disorders and mental health or explore MiMood’s eating disorder treatment services.
You do not have to manage eating-related concerns alone. Reaching out for professional support can be an important first step.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most common eating disorder in men?
Binge eating disorder had the highest estimated lifetime prevalence among adult men when compared with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa in the cited U.S. research.
2. What is the most common eating disorder in boys?
In the cited U.S. estimates for boys aged 12–17, binge eating disorder had a higher lifetime prevalence than anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
3. Can teenage boys develop eating disorders?
Yes. Teenage boys can experience binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and other eating-related conditions.
4. What are common warning signs in men?
Warning signs may include secretive eating, restrictive dieting, binge episodes, excessive exercise, and intense concerns about body image.
5. Can eating disorders in men and boys be treated?
Yes. Treatment may involve psychotherapy, nutritional support, medical monitoring, family involvement, and medication when appropriate.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about individual symptoms or concerns.