Lehe, Martin S.Martin S.Lehe0000-0003-0467-7361Halbeisen, GeorgGeorgHalbeisenSteins-Loeber, SabineSabineSteins-Loeber0000-0002-7651-0627Paslakis, GeorgiosGeorgiosPaslakis2025-02-282025-02-2820242050-2974https://fis.uni-bamberg.de/handle/uniba/106831Background Eating disorders (EDs) are increasingly prevalent in men, but men remain underrepresented across many ED‑specific treatment settings. Based on the idea that persistent stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination, i.e., stigma against men with EDs, could impede help‑seeking behaviors, the present study investigated whether stigma‑related perceptions in men are associated with reduced help‑seeking intentions for a broad range of disordered eating symptoms. Methods N = 132 adult men participated in a cross‑sectional online survey and completed questionnaires on ED psychopathology, muscle dysmorphia, orthorexic eating, stigma‑related perceptions of EDs in men, and help‑seeking intentions. Results Moderator analyses showed that higher stigma‑related perceptions were associated with reduced help‑seeking intentions in response to increased ED symptom severity. However, this was only the case for traditionally “feminized” ED symptoms (related to thin‑body ideals), but not for help‑seeking with regard to muscularity‑oriented, orthorexic, or avoidant/restrictive disordered eating. Conclusions Stigma may reduce help‑seeking intentions with regard to “feminized” ED symptoms. The present findings suggest that perceptions of EDs as “women’s diseases” were associated with reduced help‑seeking in men. Stigma towards men with EDs could thus be a possible barrier to help‑seeking in men, highlighting the relevance of stigma‑reducing interventions in clinical and community settings. Plain English Summary Eating disorders are associated with many burdens for those affected, their relatives, and the healthcare system. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of eating disorders—particularly among men. Nevertheless, data shows that men are less likely than women to receive adequate treatment. Drawing on reports of individuals with lived experience, several barriers to treatment are commonly discussed in the literature. One of these is stigma, commonly present in men with eating disorders. This study empirically supports the notion that stigma‑related perceptions may be a barrier to seeking treatment for men with disordered eating. This may help to develop interventions on different levels to break down barriers to treatment for men.engEating disordersMaleMenStigmaGenderTreatment barrierAccess to careHelp seeking150article10.1186/s40337-024-01152-3