Information and Statistics - Men and Boys

The rates of eating disorders are more common in girls and women however
20 years ago it was thought that males represented 1 out of 10 of women with anorexia or bulimia, now males represent 1 in 4 of females with anorexia and approximately 1 in 8 of women with bulimia.

Research shows that about ¼ of people affected by an eating disorder at school age are boys (equals 17,000 boys in England and Wales out of 27,000 males)

Men in particular struggle to be diagnosed and many endure months of tests and other treatment before they find help.

Around 10% of cases of anorexia, and as many as 15% of those with bulimia are men.

Rates are even higher in cases of binge eating disorder with as many as 2/3 of sufferers male.

Like females, boys and men suffer from a wide range of eating disorders, not just anorexia.

The most common are: bulimia (men account for around 15% of cases).

Binge eating disorder (men account for 60 to 70% of cases) compulsive exercise (also known as bigorexia) EDNOS (eating disorders not otherwise specified).

Whilst the different illnesses have different symptoms and effects, many of the approaches to self-help and treatment will be similar to those used for anorexics. At the end of the day the main aim for anyone suffering from an eating disorder is to re-establish healthy eating patterns, maintain a healthy weight, and to regain self confidence and self esteem.