Eating disorders are commonly perceived seen as a “woman’s issue,” but for thousands of men and boys across the UK, that stereotype is quietly fuelling a hidden crisis. Around one in four people affected by an eating disorder are male, according to Beat Eating Disorders, yet stigma and outdated perceptions leave many men feeling invisible.

For 37-year-old James Roffey, from Sheffield, that silence lasted a decade. Originally from Maidstone in Kent, James moved north at 27, but his battle with anorexia and bulimia began years earlier, alongside depression and social anxiety. From 17 to 27, his world became smaller and smaller, defined by isolation, secrecy, and struggles few around him fully understood.

At 22, James was admitted to an eating disorder unit, but only as a day patient. The ward was designed for women, and there was no space to accommodate male residents. While other patients received round-the-clock support, he returned home each evening to the same environment where his illness had taken hold.

“Everything else in my life felt out of control,” he told The Mirror. “The eating disorder was the only thing I could control, and that gave me a purpose, even if it was destructive.”

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“I was the only bloke,” he recalled, reflecting on his time in treatment. “The only males I interacted with were doctors, therapists, or the fathers of other patients. Back then, I didn’t have any motivation, any discipline, and no real hope.”

James’ experience reflects a broader issue. In the UK, around one in four people with an eating disorder are male, yet men are far less likely to be diagnosed or seek help. An estimated 1.25 million people in the UK live with an eating disorder, with a significant but often hidden proportion of men.

Research shows that approximately 40% of people with binge-eating disorder are male, yet male cases frequently go unrecognised. Experts warn that cultural expectations of masculinity, including pressure to appear strong, lean, and in control – can delay diagnosis and prevent men from reaching out.

'I didn’t have any motivation, any discipline, and no real hope'

“There’s still a huge stigma around men talking about mental health,” says James. “You only have to look at the suicide rates – things aren’t improving enough.”

Behavioural health expert Michael Banis from Eating Disorder Solutions emphasises the importance of gender-sensitive care. “By combining medical treatment, mental health support, and programmes tailored for men, it’s possible to break the cycle of shame and secrecy, access help, and rebuild a healthy relationship with bodies and food,” he says.

James explained how his experience was compounded by stigma. “I kept thinking, ‘If this is a female disorder, why me? Why have I got it?’ That made recovery even harder,” he said.

Looking back, James believes what he needed most was representation and hope. “Having someone who had been through it, someone like me now, would have given me that little spark. Back then, I honestly didn’t think I’d get through it.”

'No one should have to cope in silence'

For James, the disorder became a coping mechanism. “It was the only thing I could control when everything else in my life felt out of control,” he recalls.

At the same time, life for others seemed to carry on as normal. “Friends were going on holidays, living their lives, and I felt like everything had fallen apart.”

Breaking that silence is difficult, but crucial. James advises: “If you feel ‘off’, that’s the moment to speak to someone. Talking is the first step. It opens the door. But it’s action that helps you walk through it.”

His turning point came after intensive treatment in his early twenties, which forced him to confront the reality of his condition. “It was the first time I actually saw how ill I was,” he says. “That’s when I realised – if I don’t change something, I’m going to die.” Even then, recovery took another four years of hard work and perseverance.

'I don't think you’re ever completely over it'

Now 37, James has rebuilt his life in Sheffield and turned his experience into purpose. Working as a personal trainer, he supports clients dealing with mental health challenges, including eating disorders, social anxiety, and depression.

“What started as a form of therapy became my passion,” he says. “Helping others gave me purpose. If someone can see that you’ve been through it and come out the other side, it gives them hope.”

He is candid about the long-term reality. “I don’t think you’re ever completely ‘over’ it,” he says. “But that’s not a negative. It’s a reminder of what you’ve overcome.” He has learned to manage it, recognising triggers, sitting with discomfort, and leaning on supportive people when life gets hard.

James’ advice to men currently struggling is simple but powerful: “Never give up the fight. If you still have that desire to change, there’s enough in you to turn things around. If you can come through this, nothing else in life will be harder. You’ve already faced the worst"

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Contact Beat Eating Disorders on 0808 801 0677 or visit beateatingdisorders.org.uk. You can also speak to your GP or seek help through the NHS. In an emergency, call 999.