Famous Men Who Have Overcome Eating Disorders

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope

With the many stigmas that surround eating disorders and males, there is often shame in admitting the struggle and asking for help. Seeing others who have gone through the journey and who are recovering from an eating disorder can help break stereotypes and shame associated with these mental health illnesses.

Many individuals have successfully walked the path of recovery from an eating disorder, and hearing about the experiences of others can offer support and encouragement.

If you are a male who is recovering from an eating disorder, be it anorexia or bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or another form of disordered eating, it may be helpful to hear these other stories to know that you are not alone and that hope does exist.

Examples of Famous Recovered Men

Well-known men and individuals have been successful in recovery, including the following:

Brian Cuban:

Lawyer, activist, writer, and speaker, Brian Cuban has faced struggles with an eating disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, and addiction. Brother of entrepreneur Mark Cuban, Brian pens the journey of his recovery in his book, Shattered Image.

Elton John:

This popular musician often describes his battle with bulimia nervosa and co-occurring struggle with a cocaine addiction. John entered rehab for his struggles in 1990.

Ashley Hamilton:

Iron Man 3 Star has admitted his struggle with bulimia and anorexia, describing his battle with these mental illnesses before slipping into a drug an alcohol addiction. Hamilton now has several years of sobriety to encourage others with.

Caleb Followill:

Lead singer of the band, Kings of Leon, has admitted his struggle and recovery from anorexia nervosa. This talented rocker and musician has found peace with his body and food through his recovery journey from an eating disorder

Finding Your Way Towards Recovery

These men who have found healing and restoration through the recovery process from an eating disorder are an inspiration to those trying to find their way. No matter where you may be in your life, it is important to know that there is hope for your own recovery and that overcoming an eating disorder is possible.

Community Discussion: Share your thoughts here!

How does hearing the recovery stories of well-known men help encourage your own walk in recovery? How does sharing other’s stories help break the stigmas associated with eating disorders?

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on June 2nd, 2015
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com