Viral social media post calls attention to eating disorders in men

This week, a celebrity news website reported on the singer Usher’s strict exercise routine and diet, which involves intermittent fasting. A post on X shared the article with text that reads, “People be having eating disorders and call it everything BUT that.” The post received more than 644,000 views, 13,000 likes, more than 1,000 shares, and 76 comments as of June 21. Social media users who commented on the post debated the benefits of intermittent fasting and discussed how some people who claim to be engaging in healthy practices are actually living with eating disorders. One comment noted that eating disorders in men are rarely discussed.

Recommendation: Trending conversations about men and eating disorders provide an opportunity for community-based organizations, health departments, and other partners to share resources for men and others living with eating disorders, including therapy, support groups, hotlines, and local recovery centers. Pushing out additional messaging that outlines the signs of eating disorders and gender-specific treatment considerations is also recommended. Updating informational materials with messaging explaining that people of all genders can develop eating disorders and that rates for eating disorders in men are increasing more rapidly than rates of eating disorders in women is also recommended—particularly during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month.