Eating Disorders in Men: Veteran Aussie sports broadcaster urges us to speak up.
Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses. They are not a phase, a diet gone too far, a cry for attention or a "lifestyle choice". They can occur at any point across the lifespan, socioeconomic levels, cultures and genders.
Like women, men experience disturbances in body image, binge eating, and maladaptive weight/shape control behaviours.(1)
The prevalence of binge eating disorder (BED) may be as high in men as in women, while the prevalence of extreme weight control behaviours, such as extreme dietary restrictions and purging, may be increasing more rapidly in men than women. (1, 2)
But eating disorders among men are significantly underdiagnosed. (2)
Veteran sports journalist and broadcaster Dan Lonergan wants this to change.
“More men are becoming comfortable with speaking up and seeking help. But many still struggle to talk openly about their issues, and this can take a serious toll on their mental and physical health,” he said.
Dan Lonergan: A Voice Breaking the Silence
Dan Lonergan, 56, from Melbourne, is widely recognised for his work across AFL, cricket, tennis, cycling, lawn bowls, and multiple Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
Behind his successful public career, Dan lived with disordered eating since childhood.
Dan says his symptoms were shaped by a mix of complex family dynamics, bullying, weight stigma, and a long-standing compulsion to control food and exercise.
Disordered eating is characterised by a range of harmful eating behaviours, from dieting to those resembling clinical eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia. (3)
These behaviours, though not always meeting full diagnostic criteria, can impact health and are often linked to body image concerns. (3)
Raised in a household where food and body image were prominent, Dan struggled with his weight from an early age, and endured bullying during primary school.
In response, he began to restrict his food and exercise compulsively in an attempt to gain control and avoid further judgment.
“I was bullied during primary school for being overweight. My mother was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, and unintentionally, I got somewhat caught up in that,” said Dan.
Later in life, Dan found comfort and a sense of control through running.
What began as a recreational outlet, quickly became a non-negotiable part of his daily life. Over time, exercise shifted from a healthy habit to rigid compulsion, and way to control and justify his eating habits.
“I convinced myself that if I ran, I wouldn’t have to feel guilty about eating what I wanted.”
“I loved running, but it became a bit of a crutch. If I didn’t run, I’d be in a bad mood, and I started making poor decisions just to fit it in.”
“I told myself that the farther I ran, the more I could justify eating whatever I wanted,” Dan said. \
“But of course, the cycle would just start again. Next time I ate, I’d think, ‘Now I’ve got to run that off.’”
For years, this compulsion took a toll on his mental health, as well as his personal and professional life.
“I was obsessed. At times I wouldn’t eat because I hadn’t gone for a run. That played a big part in my relationships breaking down. It probably affected my work, because I always felt I had to go [for a run]. I’d eat lunch at my desk just to make sure I could squeeze in a run during my break,” said Dan.
Mental Health and Recovery
Despite never receiving a formal eating disorder diagnosis, Dan recognises his past behaviours as “disordered”.
His experiences reflect recognised features of disordered eating, including rigid exercise patterns, food restriction, and compensatory behaviours. These behaviours commonly occur alongside other mental health conditions, (4) and can be especially difficult to identify in men, where stigma and under-recognition may delay acknowledgement or help-seeking. (5)
In his early 40s, Dan was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder conditions, which he believes contributed to his disordered eating patterns.
“While my mental health diagnoses weren’t the main cause of my eating disorder, I do think they played a role,” said Dan.
Although Dan never sought treatment specifically for disordered eating, therapy for his mental health conditions including Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helped him shift his relationship with food, movement, and self-worth.
“I was embarrassed to seek treatment specifically for my disordered eating, so I never did. Instead, I accessed therapy through my diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, and both DBT and CBT has helped me a lot over the years.”
“I still love running, but it’s no longer an obsession. I’ve learned that the sky doesn’t fall in if you miss a session. I’m calmer now,” said Dan.
Advocating for Accessible Help
Today, Dan is a strong advocate for increased awareness around male eating disorders and greater access to care. He supports InsideOut Institute’s eClinic Australia’s first fully online, national treatment hub for eating disorders.
The eClinic offers free, flexible, selfpaced digital programs for people experiencing symptoms of eating disorders, including BEeT (for binge eating and bulimia), SkillED (for a wider range of behaviours), and SupportED (for carers). A dedicated Healthcare Professionals Hub is also available.
“Everyone’s recovery journey is unique, and for some, starting with an online, self paced program feels more comfortable.”
A lot can be achieved through these digital platforms. The most important thing is recognising there’s a problem and taking that first step toward getting help,” said Dan.
Taking the First Step
Dan’s story is a powerful reminder that eating disorders don’t discriminate by gender and that recovery is possible at any age.
His advocacy is helping to chip away at the stigma that stops so many men from seeking help.
If you or someone you know may be living with an eating disorder, speak to your local healthcare professional or visit the InsideOut Institute eClinic for screening tools and support. Free, no referral needed.
Need help now? 24/7 support is available:
Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 334 673
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Men’s Line Australia: 1300 78 99 78
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
References:
- Dal Brun D, Pescarini E, Calonaci S, Bonello E, Meneguzzo P. Body evaluation in men: the role of body weightdissatisfaction in appearance evaluation, eating, and muscle dysmorphia psychopathology. Journal of Eating Disorders. 2024;12(1):65.
- Gorrell S, Murray SB. Eating Disorders in Males. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2019;28(4):641-51.
- Pereira RF, Alvarenga M. Disordered Eating: Identifying, Treating, Preventing, and Differentiating It From Eating Disorders. Diabetes Spectrum. 2007;20(3):141-8.
- Wade TD, Shafran R, Cooper Z. Developing a protocol to address co-occurring mental health conditions in the treatment of eating disorders. International Journal of Eating Disorders. 2024;57(6):1291-9.
- Strother E, Raymond L, Chariese SS, and Turberville D. Eating Disorders in Men: Underdiagnosed, Undertreated, and Misunderstood. Eating Disorders. 2012;20(5):346-55.
