Why We Need to Talk About Men and Eating Disorders

Eating disorders don’t discriminate by gender, but when it comes to men—especially those in the military—the signs are often missed or misunderstood. At SEA WAVES, we know that stigma, cultural expectations, and lack of tailored support leave too many men silently struggling with disordered eating and the mental health challenges that come with it.

Whether it’s chasing the “ideal” physique, using rigid food rules to manage stress, or overtraining as a form of control, eating disorders in men are real, harmful, and too often ignored. It’s time to change that.

What Eating Disorders Look Like in Men

While some symptoms may overlap with what’s commonly seen in women, men’s eating disorders often present differently—and that difference can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Here’s what to watch for:

• Muscle Dysmorphia: Obsession with not being muscular enough, even when already very fit
• Compulsive Exercise: Training through pain, prioritizing workouts over relationships or rest
• Supplement Abuse: Overreliance on protein powders, creatine, fat burners, or even steroids
• Rigid Food Rules: Extreme dieting, “clean eating” obsessions, or punishing binge/restrict cycles
• Emotional Distress Around Food: Anxiety, shame, or isolation triggered by meals or eating in public

In the military, where performance, readiness, and appearance are tied to career success, these behaviors are often mistaken for discipline or resilience—when in fact, they can be signs of serious underlying distress.

The Mental Toll: How Disordered Eating Impacts Men’s Well-Being

Disordered eating doesn’t just affect the body. It chips away at mental health—especially for men under pressure to appear strong or “unshakable.”

Common impacts include:

• Increased Anxiety: Worrying constantly about calories, body image, and routine disruptions
• Depression & Shame: Feeling like a failure for not meeting impossible standards
• Social Withdrawal: Avoiding events, relationships, or group meals
• Cognitive Fog: Poor focus, memory, and decision-making from undernourishment or overtraining
• Suicidal Thoughts: For some, the internal battle becomes unbearable

This is why recognizing and addressing eating disorders early—especially in high-stress communities like the military—is not just about food. It’s about life-saving mental health care.

The Pressure to Perform: Body Image and the Military Culture

From boot camp to retirement, military service members face constant pressure to meet weight standards, ace fitness tests, and embody physical strength. But beneath the uniform, the drive to stay “in shape” can mask disordered behaviors.

• “Making weight” before PT tests or weigh-ins
• Overtraining or restricting during deployment or transition periods
• Suppressing emotional stress with food rules or overexercising
• Feeling like seeking help is a sign of weakness or career risk

At SEA WAVES, we’re working to reframe these norms—so that mental health, emotional fitness, and self-care become part of the readiness conversation.

Finding the Right Support

There is no one-size-fits-all solution—but there is help, and there is hope.

SEA WAVES doesn’t provide direct treatment, but we connect service members, veterans, and their families with trusted programs and providers. Through our partners, you may have access to:

• Free clinical assessments
• Virtual and in-person support groups
• Peer mentors and recovery navigators
• Tailored treatment referrals for men and male veterans

Explore our Helpful Resources page to find the right fit—or contact us for personal guidance. We’re here to walk with you.

Let’s End the Silence. Together.

Eating disorders in men are not rare. They’re just rarely talked about. And in silence, stigma grows. At SEA WAVES, we believe in disrupting that silence with education, connection, and compassion.

👉 Want to get involved? Join our volunteer network.

📢 Know a military leader or provider? Request MEDAL training to help others recognize the signs.

💬 Have a story to share? Email us at [email protected]g—we’d love to hear from you.

Because when we see the signs, speak the truth, and support each other—we change lives.