Butterfly launches ‘Spot Your Mate’ campaign in response to the increasing number of men struggling with eating disorders

In a new campaign, Butterfly Foundation, Australia’s national charity supporting anyone impacted by eating disorders and body image issues, will encourage Australians to talk to the men in their lives about eating disorders, as the number of boys and men affected  is on the rise.

Eating disorders do not discriminate, yet a harmful misconception persists: that they only affect women and girls. In reality, more than one third of Australians living with an eating disorder are male, with numbers growing by almost 33,000 since 2012 and the prevalence of Anorexia Nervosa in men has more than doubled in the past 12 years.

Experts at Butterfly caution that these numbers are likely to be even higher, as pervasive stigma and lack of community understanding often means that men suffer in silence. Research shows that men are four times more likely to live with an undiagnosed eating disorder, but this campaign hopes to re-write that narrative. 

Melissa Wilton, Head of Communications and Engagement at the Butterfly Foundation, says: 

“The misconception that eating disorders only affect women, or a lack of understanding about the seriousness of these mental illnesses can be fatal. In 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.”

Butterfly says that by knowing the signs and symptoms, you can spot if your male friends and loved ones are struggling with their body image or an eating disorder and direct them to support. 

On Butterfly’s website, audiences will be able to access resources to help navigate these conversations, and understand how eating disorders and body image issues present themselves. 

Former AFL Player, Brock McLean, is supporting this campaign after he revealed 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. 

“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.”

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 shows 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. Not only are these feelings resulting in boys disengaging from school and sports, but they are also leading risk factors for the development of an eating disorder.

Children’s body image expert and the manager of Butterfly’s Body Bright primary school body image program, Dr Stephanie Damiano, explains that the earlier we have open conversations about diversity in bodies and appearance, the better.

“In a society where extreme exercising and the pursuit of muscle growth are often perceived as healthy behaviours and celebrated in men and boys, it’s not surprising that we see a desire to be more muscular, and an understanding that exercise is one way to lose weight, in some boys from early childhood.

“Worryingly, half of boys in our Body Kind Youth Survey reported never or rarely talking to someone if they don’t feel good about their body or appearance. However, we know that supporting children and young people to have a positive body image, and intervening early with those who are experiencing body dissatisfaction, can be critical to ensure they don’t develop disordered attitudes and behaviours towards their bodies, eating and physical activity as they grow older”.

To find out more about eating disorders in men and the ‘Spot Your Mate’ campaign, visit: www.butterfly.org.au/men 

ENDS

Media Contacts

About Butterfly Foundation
Butterfly is the national charity for all Australians impacted by eating disorders and body image issues, and for the families, friends and communities who support them. Butterfly changes lives by providing innovative, evidence-based support services, treatment and resources, prevention and early intervention programs, and by advocating for the needs of our community.

Editor and producers note
Please include the following support line details in all media coverage of this story and refer to the Mindframe Media guidelines for safe reporting on eating disorders.

Anyone needing support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact:

• Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) or visit www.butterfly.org.au to chat online or email, 7 days a week, 8am-midnight (AEST/AEDT). 
• Eating Disorders Victoria Helpline on 1300 550 23
• For urgent support call Lifeline 13 11 14