A colorful logo for a company called full of beans

EDAW 2023: Eating Disorders in Boys & Men

In this weeks episode, Han is joined by Dewald Louw. Dewald is a Counselling Psychologist based in Cape Town, South Africa, and currently works as a remote therapist at Orri, a private eating disorder clinic in London. Dewald has extensive experience working with adolescents and adults in inpatient and private settings and has observed the unique mental health challenges that often go unnoticed in boys and men which make it difficult for them to embrace therapeutic environments.

This year, Eating Disorder Awareness Week (2023) focuses on eating disorders in boys and men. In this weeks podcast, we discuss:

  • The prevalence of eating disorders in men and why this may be higher than expected.

  • The signs and symptoms in boys & men compared with girls & women.

  • Muscle dysmorphia and its presence in men, and how to distinguish a disorder from a healthy relationship with exercise.

  • The idea that, similar to women and girls, eating disorders are a form of protection and ability to survive, not just a food and body issue.

  • How masculinity impacts the development of eating disorders.

  • The role of group therapy in male eating disorder recovery.

  • How to make eating disorder treatment centres more accessible for boys and men, allowing them to access the treatment they require.

  • The need for male-appropriate screening tools and assessments.

  • How ORRI are supporting boys and men with eating disorders and what's behind their #RememberYourBROS.

To find out more about ORRI you can visit www.orri-uk.com , or find @ORRI_UK on Instagram or Twitter.

Please note that this podcast discusses eating disorder behaviours that some individuals may find triggering. Please check in with yourself along the way, and remember that this is not a replacement for therapeutic support.

Recent Posts

Cover photo for The Assisted Dying Bill & Eating Disorders: What You Need to Know with Chelsea Roff

The Assisted Dying Bill & Eating Disorders: What You Need to Know

By Hannah Hickinbotham • March 10, 2025
The UK’s Assisted Dying Bill raises serious concerns for individuals with eating disorders. Could they qualify as terminally ill? Explore the risks, safeguarding gaps, and why better treatment, not assisted death, is needed.

Reclaiming Women's Health by Breaking Myths Around PCOS & Eating Disorders

By hannah • March 9, 2025
Reclaiming Women's Health by Breaking Myths Around PCOS & Eating Disorders

Navigating ARFID with Compassion: Kindsight, Communication & Support with Julie White

February 10, 2025
In this week's episode, Han is joined by Julie White. Julie is a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Neurodiversity Coach, and peer support facilitator, raising awareness of mental health and neurodiversity.

The Impact of Eating Disorders on Sexual Health with Bethany Ashley Smith

February 3, 2025
In this week's episode, Han is joined by Bethany Ashley Smith. Bethany is a psychotherapist who is on a to help people feel more confident and independent in their healing journey. Bethany has spent 20 years combining her own lived experiences, working as a mental health nurse and her professional expertise in trauma, addiction, ADHD, and relationships. As a neurodiverse, mixed-race woman who’s walked her own recovery path, Bethany brings empathy and understanding to her work.

APPG Report "The Right to Health: People with Eating Disorders are being failed" with Nicky Smith

January 22, 2025
In this week's episode, we speak with eating disorder advocate, Nicky Smith, about report released by The All-Party Parliamentary Group, “The Right To Health: People with eating disorders failed”.

The Implication of GLP-1 Medications on Eating Disorders with Zuzanna Gajowiec

January 13, 2025
In this week's episode, Han is joined by Zuzanna Gajowiec. Zuzanna is a Clinical Psychologist, Family Therapist, and Ireland’s first Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Consultant (CEDS-C). With over a decade of experience, Zuzanna is dedicated to supporting individuals and families on their journey to recovery, focusing on physical healing, body image, and family connections.
Show More
Share by: