National health specialists are sounding the alarm that eating disorders among men are becoming more common and harder to detect. The issue gained fresh attention after actor Sylvester Stallone, 80, disclosed that he struggled with bulimia while preparing for his role in the 1982 film “Rambo.” Stallone told The New York Times that his drive to achieve a more “animalistic” look turned into an unhealthy obsession, leading him to binge‑eat and purge.
Why men are at risk
Brian Pollack, a licensed clinical social worker and certified eating‑disorder specialist at Hilltop Behavioral Health in Summit, New Jersey, told Fox News Digital that eating disorders in men are “highly underreported.” The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders estimates roughly 30 million Americans will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime, with men comprising about one‑third of those cases.
Unlike the classic presentation in women, men’s concerns often focus on muscularity rather than thinness. “Guys with eating disorders just present differently — for some men, it’s about musculature … they continue to build muscle because they are afraid that they are weak, they want their muscles to align,” Pollack explained. Others pursue an extremely lean or defined physique, severely restricting food intake.
Social media and “looksmaxxing”
Pollack highlighted the role of online culture, noting a growing trend called “looksmaxxing,” where individuals pursue extreme measures—sometimes including cosmetic procedures—to improve their appearance. This pressure can push vulnerable young men toward harmful behaviors such as compulsive exercise, rigid dietary rules, and binge‑purge cycles.
Warning signs for families
Because bingeing and purging often occur in secret, families may miss the signs. “They’re hidden,” Pollack said. Common red flags include:
- Compulsive, hour‑long daily workouts
- Meticulous tracking of calories, protein, and “clean” foods
- Strict adherence to restrictive diets such as very high‑protein or ketogenic plans
- Avoidance of meals prepared by others or refusal to eat outside a narrow food list
- Increased use of laxatives or diuretics to achieve a perceived effect
When severe restriction leads to binge episodes, the individual may quickly purge, often by vomiting, which can cause electrolyte imbalances, kidney and liver damage, and serious cardiac complications. Additional health risks include tooth‑enamel erosion, esophageal irritation, and chronic gastrointestinal issues.
Impact across ages
Pollack emphasized that eating disorders can affect males at any stage—from middle‑school and high‑school students to college attendees and adults. He noted that many men struggle to identify or discuss the emotional distress underlying their behaviors, making physical or behavioral changes the primary clues for loved ones.
To open a dialogue, Pollack suggests framing conversations around body‑goal aspirations rather than labeling the behavior outright. Asking questions like, “Are you trying to sculpt your body or get a six‑pack?” can help determine whether the pursuit has become excessive or is being used to avoid difficult emotions.
Getting help
Medical complications from bulimia can be severe, ranging from electrolyte disturbances to cardiac arrest. Early recognition and professional treatment are critical. Anyone experiencing recurrent binge eating, purging, extreme food restriction, compulsive exercise, or intense distress about body shape or weight should consider consulting a qualified health‑care professional or an eating‑disorder specialist.
By raising awareness of how eating disorders manifest differently in men, health professionals hope to reduce stigma, encourage early intervention, and protect the physical and emotional well‑being of countless families across the country.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
