"It’s a touchy subject” – Service providers’ perspectives of eating disorders in men and boys

This study explores the perceptions and experiences of providers of eating disorder services towards
men to understand the challenges and barriers experienced by both professionals and patients in
addressing the gender bias within this field. A total of 21 professionals took part in the study. Using
interviews and focus groups, the study explored service providers’ experience, understanding and
knowledge in working with men with eating disorders using thematic analysis. Findings suggest that
the growing issue of eating disorders affecting men, while a serious concern for practitioners, remains
a ‘touchy subject’, a difficult and sometimes even uncomfortable topic for service providers to tackle.
These findings provide insight into the challenges and barriers faced by professionals and men seeking
help or treatment for an eating disorder and highlights the need for targeted training and resources
to improve the eating disorders health literacy of service providers in relation to men’s experiences