Episode 32: Men get eating disorders Too, A SEAT WITH… Sam
Today we sit down with Sam Thomas to address Men and Eating Disorders, often overlooked. This conversations about eating disorders helps us reshape understanding and awareness.
With Sam Thomas we talk about men's experiences with eating disorders, breaking the common stereotypes associated with these issues. By sharing his journey, Sam Thomas sheds light on the often-overlooked male perspective on this serious topic, helping to connect the dots between societal expectations and mental health struggles.
In recent years, the conversation around eating disorders has predominantly focused on women, often overlooking the struggles faced by men. I must admit that this was a blindspot of mine. I never truly considered or understood that Men would suffer from ED from a young age and for decades of their life. I also feel like, in some ways, it is normalised (think Gym Bros, think Marvel actors, think GQ covers, think “sexiest man alive” always with 56 abs…) Despite the prevalence of eating disorders among men, societal stereotypes and stigma contribute to a culture of silence around their experiences. There are three critical aspects of men's eating disorders: the misconceptions surrounding them, the importance of open dialogue, and the impact of societal expectations.
Misconceptions Surrounding Eating Disorders
For a long time, the prevalent narrative has inaccurately positioned eating disorders as primarily affecting women, leading to a lack of awareness and medical assessment that many men also suffer from these conditions (when the main symptoms for bulimia or ED is loss of periods… well!). Contrary to the stereotype of a typical patient, men can exhibit similar disordered eating behaviours, such as excessive exercise, restrictive diets, or purging, often driven by societal pressures to conform to certain body ideals. This misunderstanding can cause men to feel isolated in their struggles, as they may not recognize their issues as valid or as part of the broader category of eating disorders.
Many men involved in sports or fitness communities are particularly vulnerable, often feeling compelled to achieve an unattainable physique marketed in media. The glamorisation of extreme body types further perpetuates the notion that these behaviours are normal or even commendable, which can be damaging. Recognising that eating disorders are not limited by gender, age, class, social economical status is crucial to fostering understanding and encouraging those affected to seek help without fear of being judged.
The Necessity of Open Dialogue
Creating spaces for open discussions about men's experiences regarding eating disorders is essential. The stigma surrounding mental health often inhibits men from sharing their feelings or seeking assistance. As conversations around mental health become more normalized for women, men are still navigating a deeply ingrained silence. Just like Sam wrote in one of his articles, Men won't sit down in a pub around a beer and talk about their ED or relationship to food! By sharing his journey, Sam Thomas sheds light on the often-overlooked male perspective on this serious topic, helping to connect the dots between societal expectations and mental health struggles.
So come and take,
A Seat With… Sam.
👤 WHERE TO FIND SAM:
His LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/samthomas8186
🔗 LINKS
https://www.aseatwithme.com/newsletter
📫 WRITE ME:
aseatwithmepodcast@gmail.com
www.aseatwithme.com
👤 WHERE TO FIND ME:
https://www.tiktok.com/@soleneallcaps
https://www.instagram.com/soleneallcaps
With Love, always,
Solène ☀️