New research has found that many men with eating disorders still experience significant internalised stigma and shame surrounding their experience of eating disorders due to attitudes in society. This shows there is a continuing need to challenge gendered ideas of who is affected by eating disorders.
The CAPS Experiences of Eating Disorders Collective Advocacy group carried out the research. The aim of the project was to explore the experiences of men with eating disorders. The focus of this exploration was on men’s experience of sharing their eating disorder experience with people in their life and accessing treatment. This group of individuals who identify as having an eating disorder guided all stages of the research. The group included two men with eating disorders.
The group’s data also highlights the unique experience of transmen with eating disorders. As well as the necessity of treatment to be trans-inclusive to support recovery for these individuals.
Summary of the men and eating disorders research findings
- Participants experienced internalised stigma and shame surrounding eating disorders being seen as ‘feminine’
- Being a man with an eating disorder was damaging to participants’ sense of self and gender identity
- Struggles with one’s identity and pervasive stigma in society resulted in delays in accessing treatment and telling others about their eating disorder
- Lack of knowledge regarding men and eating disorders negatively impacted treatment and recovery
- Transmen identified that their eating disorder often developed in part due to struggles with their gender identity, and that gender transition supported their recovery
What people said
“women and girls have eating disorders and that’s who accesses services, everyone else gets ignored”
“you become genderless when you’re big, because people just see you as a fat person”
“there’s something unmasculine about talking about eating and food”
Rachel, the new CAPS staff member who facilitates the project had this to say:
“It has been really exciting to come into this project and understand the need for this research into men’s experiences of eating disorders from a lived experience perspective. After attending the NHS Research Scotland Mental Health Meeting and talking with group members, it is evident how important this research is. It has been great to see the hard work the group have done so far through the interview and preliminary analysis stage, and I am looking forward to working with them to complete the analysis and write up.”
This research was shared with the academic community as a poster for the NHS Research Scotland Mental Health Annual Scientific Meeting in November 2024. Rachel, the new staff member, is pictured with the poster below.
