ABSTRACT
From the moment we began to publish studies on men and body image problems, I was invited to participate in a number of public debates on the subject. Most of these debates were constructed to generate maximum disagreement, which is a sensible strategy for journalistic attention and much more entertaining than agreement. In a commentary published in the Lancet, I had entitled the article `Fat is not just a Feminist Issue'. This was misconstrued as representing a confrontation between men and women, even an attack on feminism. I could never bring myself to engage in the confrontation, or even accept that it exists. Most of my clinical practice is spent in treating women with eating disorders. Fat is a feminist issue. Women are more likely than men to suffer from eating disorders, and body image disparagement is usually more common amongst women. However, men are rapidly closing the gap and male body image insecurity is being stoked through the media and advertising. In stating that men are suffering, I am not stating that women are not suffering.
