What to do if you’re a gay male
with body image issues?
If you’re a gay male with body image issues, you are not alone. Do an image search for the term “gay men” and you will find mostly naked, muscular and white men. Therefore, that is what society is telling gay males what they need look like. What happens if you fall outside that box? A negative image of your body can lead to all sorts of problems and serious conditions, including but not limited to
eating disorders
depression
,
withdrawing
The research
According to research done by Feldman in 2007, 15% of self-identified gay males have an eating disorder. While 5% of heterosexual males report the same concern. (By eating disorder, the study was referring to anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder.) In addition to eating disorders, which can be life-threatening, a number of gay and straight men deal with body dysmorphia. Body dysmorphia is a general intense dissatisfaction with one’s body that can lead to depression and other mental health conditions.
Why is it so hard for gay males to love their bodies?
As gay males, we learn at a young age that we’re different and we need to hide parts of ourselves. Suppose you grew up in a totally supportive family or school environment, there still might be cultural and media messages that men and boys should be a certain way. If you differ from that idea of what an ideal man should be, you can suffer a great deal.
Do you struggle with your body?
There are a number of questions you can ask yourself to determine what your relationship is like with your body.
Are you uncomfortable with your relationship to food? Do you overeat and feel guilty about it? Do you under-eat and feel irritable or fatigued? Food is meant to provide energy and life. If you’re feeling guilt, shame or embarrassment about your eating habits, seek support. (And we’re here to help!)
Do you feel uncomfortable naked? If you find yourself hiding parts of your body when you’re naked or ashamed to put on a bathing suit, seek support. (And we’re here to support!)
Does the way you feel about your body make you avoid certain situations and withdraw from them? Are you ashamed of the way you look? Are you scared of how others will see you? If so, seek support. (And we’re here to support!)
Other signs you may struggle with your body
Binge/purge eating patterns
Over exercising
Drugs
Alcohol
Depression
Self-hatred
Low self-esteem
Self-harm
Self-medication through drugs or alcohol
What can you do if you’re a gay male
with body image issues?
One of the best things you can do is work on loving your body, exactly as it is today. Period.
Here is a list of ways to begin accepting your body as it is today. This list was inspired by a resource on The National Eating Disorders Association website. Under inspiration from this list of 10 Steps to a Positive Body Image, this list was created. While this list may be helpful, it is not meant as a substitute for counseling or professional support. If you or someone you love is struggling from an eating disorder, please call the hotline at the National Eating Disorders Association for support and guidance. 800-931-2237
