New campaign responds to increased number of men with eating disorders

TW: Discussion of disordered eating.

A groundbreaking new campaign from Butterfly Foundation will encourage Australians to talk to the men in their lives about eating disorders, after research finds that the number of boys and men impacted by disordered eating is on the rise.

Research from Butterfly Foundation, Australia’s national charity supporting people impacted by both eating disorders and body image issues, found that more than one third of Australians living with an eating disorder are men – a number that has grown by almost 33,000 since 2012. Anorexia Nervosa in men has more than doubled in the past 12 years. Despite this, there’s a misconception that eating disorders generally only impact women – and this is something Butterfly Foundation is looking to challenge through its new ‘Spot Your Mate’ campaign.

“The misconception that eating disorders only affect women, or a lack of understanding about the seriousness of these mental illnesses can be fatal,” says Melissa Wilton, Head of Communications and Engagement at the Butterfly Foundation. “The same way that we’ve learnt to spot the signs of depression in men over the past ten years, now is the time to do the same for eating disorders and stop the growing numbers of men struggling in silence.”

Former AFL Demons star, Brock McLean, is supporting the campaign after he went public with his struggle with Bulimia Nervosa in 2021 and, since then, has used his platform to encourage others to seek help. “For nearly four years, I suffered in silence with my eating disorder. There were many things preventing me from speaking up – how the world perceives professional athletes, and men more broadly, was a big one,” he says.

“More men are suffering from eating disorders than we realise. By having these conversations and showing vulnerability is not weakness, we are proving that it’s okay to speak up and that help is available for anyone facing eating disorders and body image issues.”

Butterfly Foundation says that a particular concern is young men and boys, with those aged 15-19 amongst the most affected by eating disorders. Butterfly’s Body Kind Youth Survey found that 24% of boys aged 12-18 reported a high level of body dissatisfaction and 82% of males aged 12-18 expressed a desire to be more muscular – feelings that the Butterfly Foundation says leads to boys disengaging from school and sports, and also lead to risk factors for the development of an eating disorder.

Butterfly Foundation says that by knowing the signs and symptoms, people can spot if their male friends and loved ones are struggling with their body image or an eating disorder and direct them to the relevant support. Resources are able to be accessed on Butterfly Foundations’ website, including advice around how to navigate these conversations.

If you or anyone you know requires support, please contact the Butterfly Foundation at 1800 33 4673 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.  


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