Yes, men can have eating disorders too

Ever since the 6th grade, I’ve felt self-conscious and insecure about my body. I would think, “I’m too fat, too short, too ugly, too squishy”.

I was always afraid to take my shirt off in public. Afraid people would see the truth about me. That I was chubby. That I had flab. That I wasn’t perfect.

That insecurity stayed with me through college. It’s what caused me to become a gym rat and eventually a personal trainer. I worked out incessantly, dieted, & counted my calories. I needed to “prove” myself to others, and having a nice body seemed like the only way.

Eventually I developed disordered eating and muscle dysmorphia. Not so intense that anyone could tell. But I would starve myself during the day, and binge at night because I was so hungry.

I looked good on the outside, but my inside was a mess. Constant anxiety and worry about how I looked. Did I have enough muscle? Did I have too much body fat? What did people think about me?

I had always thought my problems were physical. It never occurred to me that I had a mental problem. Things took a fortunate turn when I started learning about psychology and meditation.

One of the many benefits I’ve seen from my meditation practice, is a lessening of my “addiction” to having a good physique. I used to think, “If only I had a nice body, then I could finally be happy!” Not realizing that I was building a prison around myself.

Now I realize that happiness is in the mind. It’s a skill you cultivate. And it can be developed regardless of how big your muscles are, what kind of car you drive, or how “successful” you are in the eyes of others.

Overcoming body insecurity and male body dysmorphia is one of the things I help people with in my private coaching practice. If you’re interested in getting help conquering insecurity, and want to start loving yourself instead, get in touch with me today. Visit https://www.jeremylipkowitz.com/coaching to set up a time to chat.