Addressing Eating Disorders in Male Athletes & How Eating Disorder Therapy in Cherry Hill, NJ Can Help
Athletes are at a higher risk of eating disorders due to sports-related pressures. Eating disorders are estimated to be found in around 25% of athletes at some point in their careers. However, male athletes are highly under-recognized in this category. In this blog, we’re taking a closer look at eating disorders in male athletes in Cherry Hill, NJ & beyond, and why this issue matters more than ever.
The Silent Struggle: Eating Disorders in Male Athletes
The rate of eating disorders in male athletes is up to 19%. However, this number is likely to be underrepresented due to the rate of males seeking help being lower than females. Stigma among males and mental health struggles lead males to feel more uncomfortable seeking out eating disorder therapy or being honest about their mental difficulties.
Males have unique pressure in specific male-dominated sports. This is going to be emphasized in any sports that emphasize leanness, weight categories, or aesthetics, such as wrestling, running, or gymnastics. On top of the sports-related pressures, men experience cultural norms around masculinity and performance. These include muscle mass, strength, and toughness. If men are not pushing through tough things, there is fear of judgment around not being “tough enough” or masculine enough.
Muscle dysmorphia is a preoccupation with body size, shape, and strength that is heavily dominant in male athletes. This is a form of body dysmorphic disorder where there is fixation on certain areas of the body. Muscle dysphoria seems to be more present in strength-based sports such as bodybuilding and wrestling.
Signs & Symptoms of Eating Disorders in Athletes in Cherry Hill, NJ
The symptoms for men and women can be different. When you see both men and women over-exercising, having food rigidity, training through injury, or having increased anxiety around food, the physical symptoms may look different. For example, females tend to get bone injuries more quickly than males. Research also points to men and women responding differently to fasted workouts. While women tend to have a stronger negative response, men may find it easier to work out while fasted. This can make it difficult to see the negative consequences of disordered eating on the body right away. However, one thing that remains the same is the anxiety, shame, and body dissatisfaction that comes with an eating disorder.
You may notice someone struggling with an eating disorder or muscle dysmorphia avoiding social situations that involve showing their body or eating food, avoiding restaurants or foods made by others, or even constant body checking. Eating disorders thrive on routine and structure, so if you notice rigidity around eating and working out with an increase in distress or anxiety when the routine is disrupted, they may be struggling.
Dangers of Eating Disorders in Male Athletes
The use of steroids or performance-enhancing drugs is sometimes connected with eating disorders in males. This can lead to cardiovascular risks, stroke, hormone imbalances, increased aggression, or even delusions. Depression has been connected to eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia, which can lead folks down a devastating path of suicide attempts and hospitalizations.
A Story About Eating Disorders in Male Athletes
Patrick Devanny is a former NFL player who struggled throughout his collegiate and professional career with an eating disorder. He finally started seeking recovery in 2015 after stepping away from football. Patrick now openly shares his story as he helps advocate for eating disorders in male athletes.
The Role of Coaches, Teams, & Parents
Positive relationships with coaches have been shown to decrease the risk of an eating disorder in athletes. Encouraging coaches to learn about the signs of disordered eating and how to safely communicate with their athletes around the topic, no matter their gender. By creating a safe and supportive environment for athletes to raise their concerns without fear of judgment, coaches will be able to help athletes get the help they need.
The team dynamic and culture can also play a big role. Are teammates talking about fasted workouts and emphasizing weight goals, or making goals specific to health and performance outside of aesthetics or body size? Teammates can advocate for healthy team policies by asking coaches to bring in nutrition or mental health professionals to help educate the team. Increasing the communication between coaches, athletes, parents, eating disorder therapists, and dietitians creates a positive healing environment when everyone is on the same page.
Finding Help for Eating Disorders in Athletes in Cherry Hill, NJ
Eating disorders in male athletes are just as dangerous as eating disorders in women, especially due to the stigma against males seeking mental health help. Finding a therapist who specializes in eating disorders in athletes in Cherry Hill, NJ, is going to be extremely important for the healing process.
However, recovery is possible! If you are struggling, but do not feel comfortable yet speaking to an eating disorder therapist, there are specific support lines designed to help those with eating disorders.
1-888-375-7767
National Alliance for Eating Disorders
1-866-662-1235
These organizations are there to listen, answer questions about eating disorders, or connect you with a professional. And when you are ready, Serendipity Counseling Services is here to help.
Reclaim Your Strength: Eating Disorder Therapy for Male Athletes in Cherry Hill, NJ
If you or someone you love is struggling with body image, performance pressure, or disordered eating, know that you're not alone. Eating disorders in athletes in Cherry Hill, NJ, often go unnoticed—especially among men—because strength and discipline can sometimes hide deeper struggles.
At Serendipity Counseling Services, we offer specialized eating disorder therapy that understands the unique challenges male athletes face. You deserve support that meets you with compassion, not judgment.
Here’s how to take the first step:
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to talk about what you’re experiencing and ask questions.
Book your first therapy session focused on eating disorders in athletes and get a plan tailored to your goals.
Find support that respects your strength on and off the field.
More Ways to Heal with Serendipity Counseling Services in New Jersey
Alongside eating disorder therapy in NJ, I offer specialized support for runners and actively engage in advocacy to raise awareness around eating disorders in sports culture. Through speaking engagements and community outreach, I aim to help shift the conversation and reduce stigma in athletic environments.
I also lead the Retired Athlete Support Group, a virtual space for former athletes to reflect on their time in sport, reconnect with themselves, and explore life after competition in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.
About the Author: A Compassionate Eating Disorder Therapist in NJ
Kate Ringwood is a licensed professional counselor and the founder of Serendipity Counseling Services, where she specializes in eating disorder therapy for athletes in Cherry Hill, NJ. As a former competitive runner, Kate offers a unique perspective on the pressures that come with athletics, particularly around food, performance, and body image.
Blending personal experience with clinical expertise, Kate creates a warm and validating environment where clients can begin to heal and reconnect with their bodies. She also extends her advocacy beyond the therapy room by speaking publicly and appearing on podcasts to discuss mental health, sports culture, and disordered eating recovery.
