The Silent Struggle: Men, Body Image, and Eating Disorders

The Silent Struggle: Men, Body Image, and Eating Disorders Why are eating disorders in men so often overlooked In this episode of Thrive With Us, Dr. Sarah Rasmi sits down with Halima Said, M.Sc. to discuss the hidden realities of body image concerns, disordered eating, and unhealthy relationships with exercise among men. They explore how restriction, binge eating, overexercise, and food related anxiety can develop, why these struggles are frequently missed, and how social pressures, cultural expectations, and emotional avoidance contribute to the problem. The conversation also highlights the importance of emotional awareness, healthy coping strategies, and seeking support before patterns become more entrenched. Subscribe for more wellbeing and mental health insights:    / @thrivewithusdxb   Learn more about our full range of counselling and psychological services at Thrive Wellbeing Centre: https://www.thrive.ae Key Takeaways ▪️ Eating disorders affect men more often than many people realize ▪️ Healthy habits can become harmful when driven by fear, shame, or control ▪️ Exercise can sometimes function as emotional avoidance rather than self care ▪️ Emotional awareness and connection are important protective factors ▪️ Early intervention improves recovery and long term wellbeing Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nmjoED... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. It helps us continue bringing thoughtful conversations about mental health and wellbeing. Disclaimer This podcast is not a substitute for mental health advice or treatment. People are advised to reach out to a qualified healthcare provider should they need medical advice, counselling, and or therapy regarding the matters that are discussed in this podcast. Chapters 00:00 Discipline or Disorder 00:33 When Healthy Turns Harmful 01:58 Food Noise and Deviations 04:03 Restriction and Control Cycle 06:46 Gym as Emotional Coping 09:36 Body Image and Dubai Pressure 11:39 Male Prevalence and Missed Signs 15:31 Binge Eating And Restriction Link 16:12 What Counts as a Binge 18:08 Shame Purging and Overexercise 19:28 Hiding Behaviors and Family Clues 22:18 Provider Pressure 23:11 Mixed Messages on Feelings 24:53 Therapy as Safe Outlet 26:59 Why Men Warm Up Slowly 28:33 Feminine Toxicity Debate 29:46 Beyond the Gym Outlets 31:25 Feelings Wheel Breakthrough 32:43 Friends and Emotional Intimacy 34:24 Emotional Intimacy Elsewhere 36:28 Healthy vs Unhealthy Fitness 37:49 Avoidance and Root Causes 39:13 Culture and Food Meaning 41:47 Hunger Cues and Clean Plate 42:57 Picky Eating and Control 44:26 When to Worry as Parents 45:01 Closing Takeaways