There’s A New Term Circulating In Fitness Circles—Menorexia. Here’s What It Means.

In a world where there are new fitness regimes and diet plans dropping everyday, a troubling term has recently gotten added to conversations. This is menorexia. It is not an officially recognised diagnosis

but it captures a very real and growing concern, the rise of eating disorders among men. For decades, eating disorders (EDs) like anorexia nervosa and bulimia have been predominantly associated with women. However, with the rise of gym culture, social media fitness and its trends, and the pursuit of the ideal male body, more men are developing an unhealthy obsession with extreme exercise and food restrictions. Menorexia is a term that blends men and anorexia and stands to describe this dangerous fixation on achieving a muscular and lean physique through extreme dieting and compulsive workouts.

Unlike the traditional meaning of anorexia, which revolves around the fear of weight gain, menorexia tends to be the fear of not being lean or muscular enough. Men are experiencing this mindset that often measures one’s self worth through visible abs, less body fat percentage and muscle definition. They might obsessively count calories, skip meals or overtrain. These men might also avoid social situations involving food to maintain control over their diet and appearance. Social media plays a key role in amplifying this pressure. Fitness influencers often promote ‘shredding,’ ‘cutting,’ or ‘six-week transformations.’ These challenges create unrealistic standards where they post ‘before-after' pictures, along with ‘what i eat in a day’ videos. More often than not, such videos normalise restrictive eating patterns disguised as discipline. For some men, this pursuit becomes a silent spiral, masked as “healthy living” but rooted in self-criticism and insecurity.

Health experts warn that menorexia can lead to nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, low libido, fatigue, and even depression. The mental toll can be just as severe, constant anxiety about food, guilt after eating, and social withdrawal are common.Awareness, however, is slowly growing. More men are speaking openly about body image struggles, breaking the stigma that eating disorders are “a women’s issue.” Fitness professionals and mental health experts are urging a shift from appearance-based goals to strength, stamina, and overall well-being.If you or someone you know shows signs of extreme restriction, overtraining, or obsessive body checking, it’s important to seek help. Recovery begins with acknowledging that strength isn’t only physical — it’s also about self-compassion, balance, and a healthy relationship with one’s body.In redefining masculinity, perhaps the most powerful message we can share is this: true fitness isn’t about shrinking yourself, it’s about living fully and freely in your own skin.