Fitness culture can make disordered eating look like discipline. It affects people of every gender and body size, and gay and bisexual men are at higher risk than many people realize.
Signs to notice
- Rigid rules around food, and distress when they're broken.
- Cutting food groups or eating far less than training needs.
- Compensating for food with exercise, or vomiting, laxatives or diuretics.
- Constant body checking.
- Missed periods, dizziness, or always being cold.
What helps
Early help works best. A doctor and a therapist experienced with eating disorders are the place to start, often with a registered dietitian. ANAD offers support and resources.
If you're worried about a friend, tell them what you've noticed, kindly and without talking about their body.
