Men and Binge Eating Disorder

Contrary to what is commonly believed about eating disorders, men and women alike can be susceptible to developing one these mental health illnesses. Binge eating disorder is a type of eating disorder that can impact both men and women, and the consequences of this disorder can be destructive if left untreated.

Understanding Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is often misunderstood and confused with overeating. While it is normal and natural to overeat periodically or to continue eating past a point of fullness and satisfaction, binge eating disorder is characterized by specific criteria. According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), binge eating disorder can be defined by the following signs and symptoms:

• Eating an unusually large amount of food in a short time period, typically 2-3 hours
• Consuming food even when feeling full
• Feeling out of control during a binge episode
• Eating food rapidly during a binge episode
• Eating in isolation or in secret
• Feeling guilty, depressed, angry, ashamed, or embarrassed after a binge episode

Individuals with binge eating disorder may frequently engage in dieting though typically do not attempt to compensate for binging through purging means (such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise or laxative use).

Men who may be struggling with binge eating disorder will have some or all of the above signs and symptoms.

Reaching out for Help

Men who struggle with binge eating disorder may be unsure if their condition warrants help or may feel shame is asking for the professional help they need to overcome this serious disorder. Because of the stigmas that are often associated with binge eating disorder, a man might feel shameful in admitting struggles or as though they should be strong enough to overcome this battle.

The reality is that eating disorders, including binge eating disorders, are psychological illnesses with strong biological components. May factors that influence binge eating disorder are not aspects that a man might have control over, such as genetic influence or neurobiology.

For these reasons, it is important to understand the necessity of professional help as a key component for recovering from this mental illness. While it may be difficult to reach out for help that is needed, it is one of the most crucial steps to overcoming binge eating disorder.

Incorporating Treatment in Daily Living

Men who struggle with binge eating disorder may also worry about how treatment may interfere with their daily life. If a man has a family whom he is providing for or a steady career, it can be hard to know exactly how treatment for binge eating disorder fits it. Treatment should be the priority however, as a life with uncontrolled binge eating disorder can lead to devastating complications.

Treatment options for binge eating disorder may vary based on severity of the disorder. Some men may need more structure for intervening with binge eating disorder, and if appropriate, residential care may be helpful in providing the treatment needed. In other cases, treatment involving therapy or counseling in the outpatient setting may also be helpful in the treatment of binge eating disorder. This may involve weekly appointments with a qualified therapist as well as a registered dietitian for guidance with a meal plan and dietary support.

You Deserve a Healthy Life

While it may feel as though you have to put your life on hold to get the help you need, you are deserving of recovery from binge eating disorder. As a man, you may find yourself facing obstacles and challenges to get the help you need, but know that the resources you need for recovery are available to you.

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC

What obstacles may make it difficult for a man to receive the necessary help for treating binge eating disorder? What are effective ways for breaking the stigmas that surround males and eating disorders?

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on November 28th, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com