You matched with an attractive guy on a dating app. You exchange a few messages and something feels promising. And then, almost immediately, something else kicks in. You start wondering if you're interesting and attractive enough to keep his attention.

There's a condition that affects gay men at disproportionate rates, shows up in gyms across every major city, and almost never gets named for what it is. Muscle dysmorphia is classified as a body dysmorphic disorder, but its relationship to disordered eating is close enough that the two are rarely separable in practice. From the outside, none of that is visible. It looks like dedication, discipline, and commitment to an active and healthy lifestyle.

For a lot of gay men, working out doesn't feel optional. It feels necessary, not just for health, but for belonging, for desirability, for a sense of control in a world that hasn't always been kind. And because exercise is socially rewarded, almost nobody around you is going to tell you there's a problem. That's exactly what makes compulsive exercise one of the most overlooked eating disorder behaviors in gay men.

Body image and eating disorders affect gay men at disproportionate rates, yet the conversation rarely includes us. A gay psychologist and researcher explains why the struggle hits differently, and what it actually looks like to get support.

Orthorexia can look like discipline, health, and self-control on the surface. But when food rules become rigid, anxiety rises around flexibility, and self-worth starts to hinge on eating “perfectly,” something deeper may be happening. This article explores the signs of orthorexia, especially in high-achieving men who pride themselves on discipline and optimization.

Men navigating anxiety, identity questions, or body image pressures often wait a long time to reach out. Here’s what changes when they finally do.

The holidays can be a mix of anticipation, connection, stress, and pressure. Between family gatherings, social events, and food-centric traditions, it’s common for old patterns around eating and body image to resurface. For many men, these patterns stay quiet most of the year but come forward during the holiday season, when expectations around food, appearance, and “indulgence” are louder than usual.

Body shame can feel like an invisible weight you carry every day. It can be the voice that criticizes you in the mirror, the hesitation you feel before taking off your shirt at the beach, or the anxiety that comes with simply being seen. If you’ve ever felt like your body is “wrong,” “too much,” or “not enough,” you’re not alone. And more importantly—you’re not broken.

This Pride Month, I’ve been spending time each morning reading stories from The AIDS Memorial—honoring the lives of LGBTQ+ people lost during the crisis of the 80s and 90s. It’s emotional and often heartbreaking, but for me, it’s a way to grieve, remember, and stay connected to the legacy I’ve inherited. Pride is a celebration—but it’s also a tribute.

With LGBTQ+ rights and DEI under attack, it’s normal to feel anxious and unsafe. These aren’t irrational fears. They’re deeply valid responses to a climate that is, in fact, hostile. And if you’re feeling anxious, angry, exhausted, or numb—you’re not overreacting. You’re reacting appropriately to a culture that keeps telling you you’re a problem to solve or a threat to neutralize.

Anger is often the only emotion men are "allowed" to show. Learn what’s underneath the surface—and how therapy can help men access deeper emotional awareness.

As the temperature rises, so does the pressure to "look good. You might feel it creeping in when you swap out jeans for shorts or get an invitation to a beach day. Suddenly, the thoughts come flooding in: I should get back to the gym. I need to cut back. I don't look like I used to. I don't look like him. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Being open about my values isn’t about promoting a political agenda or telling anyone what to believe. It’s about informed consent. Therapy does not exist outside the social and political realities that shape our lives, and for many people, especially those from marginalized or targeted communities, safety in therapy depends on knowing where a therapist stands. I’m unapologetic about naming my values and the ethical boundaries that guide my work. This piece lays them out clearly, so you can decide upfront whether I’m the right person to trust with your care.

If you grew up in a culture steeped in diet ads, fitness challenges, and before-and-after photos, it’s no wonder your definition of health might be tied to weight. But health is far more complex than that. And when we only focus on the scale, we miss the full picture—and sometimes end up doing more harm than good.

As a psychologist, I believe that being clear about where I stand on key issues isn’t just good practice—it’s a matter of ethics, safety, and trust. This is especially important for clients who are part of marginalized communities, many of whom are seeking therapy in direct response to ongoing political harm.

If you’ve never heard of weight-inclusive therapy—or only have a vague idea of what it means—you’re not alone. Many people assume therapy will involve a focus on weight loss or “getting healthy,” and are surprised (and sometimes relieved) to learn that some therapists take a completely different approach.

A HAES-informed therapy approach isn’t about ignoring health—it’s about making health-promoting choices free from weight stigma and diet culture. Learn why HAES® is a compassionate, evidence-based framework.

As men, we’re often taught to keep our emotions in check—to “man up,” stay strong, and avoid showing vulnerability. While these messages might seem like they build resilience, they often do the opposite. Ignoring or suppressing emotions can take a toll on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

For decades, the conversation around health and weight has been shaped by a “thin equals healthy” mindset, but eating disorder professionals are increasingly challenging this narrative. More therapists and dietitians are adopting a weight-neutral, non-diet, and fat-accepting stance in their work—a shift rooted in research, compassion, and a commitment to sustainable recovery.

Explore how social media and media messages shape our perception of beauty, worth, and body image — especially for men and LGBTQ+ adults. Learn how therapy can help you build self-acceptance and confidence.