Tim Conway's aspirations of working in pubs and traveling across the United Kingdom faced significant challenges. In his early 20s, after undergoing treatment for an eating disorder in Australia, he found himself struggling with his mental health. Conway had watched his best friend leave for England, and he felt compelled to follow, but without support, his situation deteriorated.

"I just became sicker and sicker," Conway recalled. His parents visited him a few months after his move, and a moment of vulnerability occurred when his father walked in on him while he was getting dressed. "He just burst into tears," Conway said. This prompted a family discussion about his health.

Conway's health crisis escalated when he fainted in the shower, leading to a head injury. He soon realized he needed help, but finding treatment proved difficult. One clinic in London turned him away because they did not accept male patients, while another had no available beds. "It was a bitter pill to swallow," he said.

The issue of eating disorders among men is growing. According to the Butterfly Foundation, more than a third of individuals with eating disorders in Australia are male, with boys aged 15 to 19 being the most affected. The foundation's recent report indicated that the number of men impacted by eating disorders has increased by nearly 33,000 since 2012.

Melissa Wilton, the Butterfly Foundation’s Head of Communications and Engagement, noted that discussions about eating disorders lag behind those about anxiety and depression. She explained that societal ideals around masculinity often celebrate extreme exercise and muscle growth, which can lead to body dissatisfaction and increase the risk of developing eating disorders.

"Men and boys are also particularly impacted by stigma, as eating disorders are still often seen as an issue that only impacts young women," Wilton said. This stigma can hinder men from seeking help, with men being four times more likely to live with an undiagnosed eating disorder.

Conway, diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) at age eight, experienced intrusive thoughts that evolved over the years. He described how a friend's birthday photos triggered a new obsession with his appearance. "I’ve always been pretty self-conscious," he said. Teasing from friends about his weight exacerbated his struggles, leading him to unhealthy behaviors.

The prevalence of eating disorders has risen by 21 percent since 2012, with the COVID-19 pandemic increasing demand for treatment services. Experts are concerned about the promotion of weight-loss drugs by celebrities and influencers, which they believe contributes to a dangerous obsession with weight loss.

Jim Hungerford, chief executive of the Butterfly Foundation, emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue. "Every year, approximately 120,000 people develop an eating disorder, and sadly, 1,200 people lose their lives to these insidious illnesses," he said. He called for increased awareness of the factors contributing to eating disorders to prevent further escalation.

Research indicates that nearly 97 percent of individuals diagnosed with an eating disorder also have at least one other psychiatric disorder, such as depression or anxiety. Men with OCD, like Conway, are 37 times more likely to develop anorexia nervosa than the general population.

Wilton pointed out that societal perceptions often tie self-worth to weight, complicating the issue. A recent survey revealed that nine in ten Australians lack confidence in recognizing the signs of eating disorders, and nearly one in six mistakenly believe these disorders are lifestyle choices.

Conway's journey to recovery was challenging. After returning to Australia, he participated in various treatment programs but struggled to take recovery seriously. He felt isolated as the only man in treatment until a family intervention led by his sister-in-law, a nurse, prompted him to commit to his recovery.

"It was a light-bulb moment," he said. "I wanted all these things. It was time to pull up my socks." He dedicated himself to the program, focusing on rebuilding his life.

Today, Conway reflects on his journey with gratitude. He is now married and has a child, and he acknowledges the importance of perseverance. "I always said, in the hard days, there’d be better times," he said. "Because I fought through it, I’m now driving to a house that I own, to a wife and child that I love. In the end, the better days did come."

For those seeking support for eating disorders, the Butterfly National Helpline is available at 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673).