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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

By learning about common eating disorders—Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Orthorexia, and Binge Eating Disorder—we can break these myths and build greater understanding and compassion. If you or someone you care about is struggling, know that help is available, and healing is possible.

Body image concerns are often portrayed as universal, yet they can show up in distinct ways for LGBTQ+ individuals. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, body image struggles intersect with identity, cultural expectations, and societal pressures in ways that can feel deeply personal—and incredibly isolating.

Societal expectations to ‘man up’ or appear strong discourage men from acknowledging their struggles, let alone seeking help. It’s time to break this silence and recognize that men, too, deserve compassionate support and understanding.

For too long, body image concerns and disordered eating have been stereotyped as women's issues — but men experience these struggles at significant rates, and gay and bisexual men are at particular risk, with some research showing rates of disordered eating comparable to or exceeding those seen in women. Read on to learn what the signs actually look like in this population.