Food, eating and body image in men: when it stops being simple

Yes, plenty of men do, and they're badly under-recognised because the myth is that it only affects young women. That myth keeps blokes silent and undiagnosed for years. Eating disorders are serious health conditions, not vanity or weakness, and they're treatable. The Butterfly Foundation helpline (1800 33 4673) is for all genders.

It's never feeling big, lean or muscular enough no matter what the mirror, your mates or your lifting numbers say. The gym stops being something you do and starts owning you, missing a session feels like a crisis, and your mood rides on how your body looks that day. It's a recognised problem, and there's real help for it.

It's a real, recognised eating problem, and one of the most common in men. It's usually eating to numb something (stress, boredom, a rotten day), often in secret, then a wave of shame that feeds the next binge. It's not a willpower failure, it's a loop, and a GP, psychologist and dietitian can help you break it.

They carry real harm, mentally and physically, and the pull towards them is often a sign body-image pressure has gone past healthy. If you're using or thinking about it, that's worth an honest, judgement-free chat with a doctor. Your GP can talk you through the risks and what else might help with how you're feeling about your body.

Start with the Butterfly Foundation National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE), free and confidential, and absolutely for men. Your GP can do a physical check and set up an Eating Disorder treatment plan for Medicare-rebated psychology and dietitian sessions. Recovery is genuinely possible.