Dennis Quaid and Manorexia

Posted by Lori Henry Mar 19, 2007

The world knows actor Dennis Quaid as a heartthrob and talented performer. It was a surprise, then, when he admitted to struggling with anorexia during the 1990’s.

Now dubbed “Manorexia,” which encompasses men who struggle with anorexia, Quaid said it began when he lost 40 pounds for the role of Doc Holliday in the film Wyatt Earp.

"I'd look in the mirror and still see a 180-lb. guy, even though I was 138 pounds," he was quoted as saying. “For many years, I was obsessed about what I was eating, how many calories it had, and how much exercise I'd have to do." (People Magazine, 2006)

Experts and eating disorder Doctors sighed a collective relief when he spoke out, as men with eating disorders are usually feeling even more shame than women about battling a “female” disease.

Men often feel humiliated to come forward because of the stigma attached to eating disorders, and don’t get help. This leads to them struggling alone and without professional assistance.

For more resources on men and eating disorders, please read the article here.