1 in 5 Boys May Have an Eating Disorder, Face 'Unique Barriers to Seeking Help'

• One in five boys meets the criteria for an eating disorder, a new study has found
• Bulimia is the most common, the study noted, adding that eating disorders are "under-studied" in males
• The findings signal a "clear call to action,” lead author Dr. Kyle T. Ganson said, adding that gay or bisexual boys, as well as those with "larger bodies," are more at risk

One in five boys meets the criteria for an eating disorder — signaling a “clear call to action” for a condition that is “under-studied” in males.

“Eating disorders have typically been misunderstood as ‘female disorders’ … however, research on eating disorders among boys and men has been growing within the past 10 years, revealing that eating disorders are a serious concern among these populations,” according to a new study published in the journal Eating Behaviors.

The online study of 1,500 males aged 15 to 35 years old in Canada and the United States found that “1 in 5 participants met criteria for any probable eating disorder diagnosis, with probable bulimia nervosa being most common among the sample.” 

“Gay and bisexual boys and men, as well as those with higher BMIs, had greater odds of meeting criteria for any probable eating disorder diagnosis,” the study noted.

“These findings signal a clear call to action,” lead author Dr. Kyle T. Ganson said in a press release. “Boys and men, particularly those who are sexual minorities or in larger bodies, are at increased risk for eating disorders. Yet they remain overlooked in public health messaging and clinical practice.”

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Ganson continued, saying, “Boys and men often face unique barriers to seeking help for eating disorders, including feelings of stigma and shame, fear of judgment and a lack of gender-affirming treatment options."

"Given the high prevalence of eating disorders in our study, there is an urgent need to reduce these barriers,” he added, “and ensure that all individuals struggling with eating disorders receive timely, compassionate care."

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, The Alliance for Eating Disorders provides a fully-staffed helpline at 1-866-662-1235, as well as free, therapist-led support groups.