Last updated October 23, 2026
Snapshot
- Male eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that make up roughly one in three eating disorder cases, yet men are far less likely to be diagnosed or to seek treatment.
- In men, disordered eating often hides inside gym culture, where compulsive exercise and a fixation on muscle, sometimes called muscle dysmorphia or “bigorexia,” can pass for discipline.
- The myth that eating disorders only affect women keeps many men from speaking up, which is a costly silence because eating disorders rank among the deadliest mental illnesses.
- Gentle time outdoors, such as forest bathing or a mindfulness walk, can ease stress and help men feel at home in their bodies again, and a nature retreat works best alongside care from an eating disorder specialist.
Eating disorders among young men have surged in recent years. While it is impossible to say what exactly causes this increase, experts suggest that social stigmas and unrealistic body standards are exacerbating the prevalence of male eating disorders.
Researchers also find that many men with eating disorders are unable to disclose their illness to others, usually due to the erroneous assumption that eating disorders only affect women.
For men in treatment for conditions such as anorexia and bulimia, a wilderness retreat can offer real breathing room. Time outdoors gives space to rethink one’s relationship with food, with a care team still guiding the work.
Wilderness retreats offer men a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature, fostering improved mental health and overall well-being. Men who attend themed retreats such as horse-based healing retreats often experience reduced stress and can connect with mentors who help them overcome emotional blocks and triggers.
Eating Disorder & Stereotypes
Many people commonly associate eating disorders with women, perpetuating a harmful stereotype that hinders men from discussing their struggles with food. Unfortunately, busting the myths surrounding eating disorders is hard. Some individuals wrongly perceive eating disorders as a matter of personal choice, while others inaccurately attribute them to inadequate parenting in childhood.
These misconceptions trivialize the gravity of eating disorders and discourage people from seeking essential treatment and support. This misconception is a significant social issue, particularly since eating disorders have the second-highest mortality rate among all psychiatric illnesses.
Low awareness carries a physical cost, too. Nutrition and mental health are closely linked, and men who go without enough food for long stretches face a higher risk of mood disorders and a weakened immune system.
Symptoms in men can also look different. Many men chase a leaner, more muscular build, so compulsive workouts and rigid food rules pass for discipline at the gym. Clinicians call the extreme version muscle dysmorphia, sometimes nicknamed “bigorexia.”
Healing Power of Nature
A week-long retreat in nature can be a powerful tonic for men with eating disorders. Nature can play a crucial role in recovery by encouraging individuals to rethink their relationship with food. Kate Siber shares this perspective, noting that her time spent in nature was instrumental in her recovery from anorexia nervosa.
Siber recalls that in early recovery, “I was at my best when I was in the wilderness for days or even weeks at a time.” Out there, she writes, “I could forget myself for a while.” Forgetting herself loosened the grip of her food-obsessed thoughts. Over time, she stopped treating her body as something to control and began to feel at home in it.
This can be transformative for men who have a complex relationship with eating. Men who are interested in using nature to heal their relationship with food can consider therapeutic, stress-busting activities including:
- Forest bathing
- Mindfulness walks
- Journaling
- Equine therapy
These activities are gentle on the body and give the mind somewhere calm to land. This experience can foster a healthier relationship with food and help more men appreciate the benefits of spending time in nature.
Male Eating Disorder Recovery
Men with eating disorders should always consult a healthcare professional before attending a retreat. Connecting with a doctor is crucial, as a doctor or therapist can confirm the trip is safe for where they are in recovery and help plan meals and support for your time away.
Each season brings its own unhurried ways to spend time outdoors, including:
- Bird watching and canoeing during the spring when the world comes back to life and waterways are cleared for recreational use
- Beach camping and boating in the summer when the water can help campers cool off
- Leaf peeping and fishing in the fall when the foliage is turning and species begin to migrate
- Wildlife viewing and easy snowshoe outings during the cold, short winter days
Similarly, men who take retreats year-round can enjoy seasonal foods and slowly reconnect with nature’s rhythm through food.
For those opting to camp during their retreat, proper preparation is key to a successful experience. This includes bringing extra food to compensate for additional calories burned while hiking, swimming, fishing and setting up camp.
Choosing the right tent is also crucial. Although large tents might seem attractive, they are often heavy and difficult to set up. Instead, men should consider packing a single-person tent, especially for smaller retreats.
This not only makes the setup easier, but it also frees up space for essential gear, like food and cold-weather equipment, especially when camping outside the summer season.
Wellness in the Wild
Spending time in nature can be healing for anyone with an eating disorder. Nature offers a break from diet talk and gym mirrors, and that space can help men build a calmer relationship with food over time.
However, nature retreats alone cannot heal a person from eating disorders. Instead, men with eating disorders should seek guidance from medical professionals. This ensures that they get the treatment they need and will empower their efforts to overcome the stigma around eating disorders.
What Men Want to Know About Eating Disorders
How common are eating disorders in men?
Eating disorders in men are more common than most people assume. Roughly one in three people with an eating disorder is male, and men make up about a quarter of anorexia cases. Far fewer get diagnosed, partly because many men never connect their symptoms to an eating disorder.
What are the signs of an eating disorder in men?
Signs in men often look like dedication. Compulsive workouts are a common red flag, and training through injury is a big one. Rigid food rules and heavy reliance on supplements or steroids deserve attention too.
What is muscle dysmorphia?
Muscle dysmorphia is a form of body dysmorphic disorder in which a man believes his body is too small or not muscular enough, even when it clearly is. Some people call it “bigorexia” or reverse anorexia. Clinicians often treat it alongside eating disorders because the two share so much ground, from rigid eating to compulsive exercise.
Can a wellness retreat help with an eating disorder?
A nature-based retreat can ease stress and give men room to reconnect with their bodies, and it works best as one part of a treatment plan. Talk with your care team before booking so the itinerary matches where you are in recovery. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) offers a free helpline and peer support groups for anyone looking for a place to start.
*This post is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition.
