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"Travis Mathews’ documentary, “Do I Look Fat?” is a frank look at the prevalence of eating disorders in the gay male population. Structured around interviews with eight gay men who have battled with eating disorders, the film explores some of the core issues rapidly coming to the forefront of theories about eating pathologies in this population.
Traditionally perceived as a phenomenon effecting women entrenched in a culture tireless in its pursuit of all that is young and thin, the development of eating disorders cannot simply be seen as a consequence of cultural pressure to conform to norms of physique and beauty. This film examines the complexity of this psychiatric condition and its interface with addiction disorders, interpersonal relationships and the impact of traumatic stress, including physical and sexual abuse.
Though males account for only 10-15% of eating disordered individuals, rates of homosexuality or bisexuality are as high 42% according to some patient samples--much higher than what would be expected in the general population. Other studies are beginning to identify homosexuality itself as a risk fact for eating and body image disturbances.
Environmental factors may impact on this disorder, which it is proposed gay men may be particularly vulnerable. These include society’s increasing objectification of men as sexual objects, the fear of AIDS, the blurring of male and female gender perceptions and, of course, homophobia turned against oneself. Montage footage of archival and present day media depictions of what it means to be a self-actualized male in American society captures the intensity of this unrelenting influence.
It is not solely the drive for sexual conquest in one’s youth that precipitates eating disorder symptomatology. Throughout the life cycle of gay men long-standing conflicts surrounding self-esteem and shame may persist and fuel the perniciousness of body image distress. The documentary will help individuals and their families more accurately conceptualize the root causes of eating disorder symptoms. The men who tell their stories in this captivating film poignantly capture how gay men may still struggle with self-acceptance, and how far health care providers have yet to go in understanding and treating these illnesses."
—Daniel Gara MD