Can Watching Porn Cause Eating Disorders in Men?

Highlights

• New study found possible links between problematic porn use and eating disorders in men. 

• Men who watch a lot of porn may have a negative body image and compare themselves to adult performers. 

• Not all men with eating disorders are extremely thin — some appear muscular and healthy. 

• Media and pop culture play a big role in the rise of eating disorders among men. 

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When we think about eating disorders, the stories of female supermodels suffering from anorexia come to mind. But eating disorders in men? Yes, they exist. Approximately one in four people with anorexia or bulimia nervosa is male. 

According to the latest research, watching too much porn may be related to eating disorders in men. 

New Study on Eating Disorders and Pornography

Researchers invited over 700 men aged 18 to 68 to take part in the study. The aim was to uncover possible links between watching pornography and disordered eating in men. 

Authors of the study defined problematic porn use as an “uncontrollable pattern of pornography use resulting in significant distress and adverse consequences.” In real life terms, it means that a man watches explicit content in an uncontrollable way, which is causing problems in his life. 

Here’s a summary of the major takeaways from this report:

• Men with higher levels of problematic pornography use had more severe symptoms of eating disorders. These men had lower self-esteem around their appearance as they compared themselves to adult film actors. 

• Anxiety and depression seem to play an important role in the connection between eating disorders and negative body image. If a man with these mental health concerns had a negative body image, he was also likely to experience more severe eating disorder symptoms. 
• You’re more susceptible if you believe it’s true. Men who thought that what they saw in explicit videos was a true reflection of people’s sex lives, were more prone to making comparisons and losing their self-esteem in the process. 
• Sexual minority men are even more at risk. The relationship between anxiety, depression, and disordered eating was more pronounced among sexual minority men. Scientists noticed that gay and bisexual men were under great pressure to look attractive and appear masculine. 
• Therapy can help. The study concluded with recommendations for therapists to make connections between poor body image, problematic porn use, anxiety and/or depression, and eating disorders. For example, helping a man reduce problematic porn use may also help his self-esteem and ease his psychological problems around dieting. 

Eating Disorders in Men

Eating disorders are not exclusively a women’s issue, although it’s less common for men to develop them. Psychiatrists describe eating disorders as disturbances in eating behaviors linked to feelings of distress. 

The most common eating disorders are:

• Anorexia nervosa. People who suffer from this dangerous condition often starve themselves. Their weight loss can be so extreme that it can lead to death. 
• Bulimia nervosa. This condition is characterized by episodes of healthy eating followed by strict dieting and periods of binging and purging. 
• Binge eating disorder. Like with bulimia, people with this issue have episodes of binge eating but don’t have a habit of purging. 

Risk Factors for Male Eating Disorders

Scientists are still trying to understand the causes of eating disorders. Some think there may be a genetic predisposition. Or perhaps it’s the chemicals in the brain that make some people susceptible. While we don’t fully understand this issue yet, we know the risk factors for eating disorders in males: 

• Body dissatisfaction. Men who obsessively strive towards the ideal masculine look are more likely to show problematic eating behaviors. Men with muscle dysmorphia are at a higher risk of eating disorders. They are extremely worried that their bodies are not lean and muscular enough. 
• Social and cultural influences. We live in an image-obsessed world. Whether you’re a man or a woman, you’re constantly bombarded by certain beauty standards. Eating disorders in men may begin in the teenage years when boys want to look like their idols — famous athletes or action film stars. 
• Mental health issues. If a man is already suffering from depression, anxiety, or obsessive compulsive disorder, he may be at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder. Substance abuse may, on the other hand, accompany an eating-related condition. 

Eating Disorder Symptoms in Men

The big challenge with recognizing and treating male eating disorders is the conviction that it’s a women-only problem. Lots of men don’t seek professional help because they don’t realize they may have anorexia or bulimia. And people with these conditions aren’t always extremely thin and pale, so they are not so easy to recognize.

Here are some of the red flags indicating that you, your partner, or someone you know may be dealing with an eating disorder:

• Preoccupation with food. People who show problematic eating behaviors are often preoccupied with food. They count their calories and macros and pay attention to food labels. While you may briefly check how much sugar is in a yogurt cup, a person with an eating disorder might spend an hour in one supermarket aisle, analyzing food composition in detail.  
• Extreme dieting. People with anorexia nervosa may avoid eating altogether and tell you that they practice intermittent fasting. Some of them will be very or extremely underweight. At the same time they may have body dysmorphia and see themselves as fat when looking in the mirror.
• Hyperfocus on athletic appearance. Women with eating disorders tend to focus on achieving a slim figure. For men, the ideal look is more like a Marvel superhero — zero fat and all muscle. Spending many hours a day in the gym may be an indication that a man has an eating disorder. Exercising to the point of exhaustion could be a form of purging, typical of bulimia nervosa. 
• Negative self-talk. People with eating disorders often say that they hate their bodies. Their internal self-talk may contribute to the severity of their symptoms. Do some of these thoughts sound familiar?
  

• • I’m pathetic. I need to have more self-control. 

• • I ate too much today. I’m so disappointed with myself. 

• • Why can’t I be like that guy?

If thoughts like these are combined with problematic eating or dieting patterns, consider finding professional help. 

Dealing With Problematic Porn Use

If you watch a lot of porn and do it often, does it mean you’re addicted? Not necessarily. Problematic porn use is more about the impact of pornography on your life and well-being. 

How Much Porn Is Too Much?

Research tells us that more than 80 percent of men have consumed pornographic materials at some point in their life. Younger men do it more often than older ones. 

There is no recommended frequency for using porn. What matters is that you feel like it’s an enhancement to your sex life and relationship. 

If watching porn has a negative impact on your emotions, studies, or work, it’s time to take a good look at your habits and speak to a professional. Sex therapy can help you understand and modify your porn consumption habits. 

Can Porn Be Good For You?

If you like to watch an adult film from time to time, rest assured – it’s not all bad. Actually, pornography, if used in moderation, may have a positive impact on your sex life.

Here’s how:

• It can help you feel more comfortable about your sexuality.
• It may inspire you to try new things with your partner.
• For long-term couples, it adds a bit of spice to their bedroom routine. 

Don’t Underestimate Male Eating Disorders

Eating disorders in men are still a taboo. Add to that problematic porn use, and you get a recipe for shame and fear. It’s not easy to reach out for help with such an intimate problem, but working with a mental health professional can literally save your life. 

Doctors and therapists are obliged to maintain patient confidentiality, so once you gather the courage to make an appointment with a professional, you’ll be on your way towards recovery. 

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