Shining on a light on male eating disorders

From bigorexia to bingeing, more young males are experiencing eating disorders. But the stigma of having what is often seen as a woman’s illness is stopping many from seeking help, writes Sharon Ní Conchúir.

Eating disorders are still commonly seen as conditions that only affect females. However, the life experience of Zayn Malik, Russell Brand, John Prescott, Elton John, Billy Bob Thornton and Welsh rugby referee Nigel Owens prove that this is definitely not so.

Their stories show that men can restrict their calorie intake just as much as women. Zayn Malik recently revealed that he would often go for days without eating when he was in One Direction. It was only after he left the band and moved back in with his parents that he was able to begin addressing his problem.