Breaking the Silence on Hidden Eating Disorders

SUMMIT, NJ – February 20, 2026 – A New Jersey-based mental health practice is expanding its services to confront a largely unacknowledged public health crisis: eating disorders among men and athletes. Hilltop Behavioral Health announced a specialized care initiative designed to address the unique needs of these populations, who have historically been underdiagnosed and underserved in clinical settings.

The move comes as data reveals a startling reality often obscured by stereotypes. While eating disorders are commonly perceived as affecting only young women, men account for nearly one in three cases. Athletes, driven by intense performance pressures, face rates of disordered eating up to three times higher than their non-athlete peers, with some studies suggesting the disparity is even greater. Hilltop Behavioral Health, led by Clinical Director Brian Pollack, LCSW, CEDS-C, aims to bridge this critical treatment gap by offering tailored, evidence-based care.

The Epidemic Behind the Stigma

For men and athletes, the path to recognizing and treating an eating disorder is fraught with unique obstacles. The pervasive stereotype of eating disorders as a "women's issue" creates a powerful stigma that prevents many men from seeking help. This societal bias contributes to significant underdiagnosis, with research showing men are far less likely to be assessed for an eating disorder. By the time they do enter treatment, their conditions are often more severe.

"Traditional eating disorder treatment was designed primarily around female presentation patterns," says Brian Pollack, the practice's Clinical Director. "Men and athletes often present differently—focusing on muscle building rather than weight loss, or disguising restriction as 'clean eating' for performance. Our clinical team understands these nuances and knows how to address them effectively."

This difference in presentation is a key barrier. Instead of a drive for thinness, many men with eating disorders exhibit muscle dysmorphia, an obsessive preoccupation with being insufficiently muscular. This can lead to compulsive exercise, rigid dieting focused on protein intake, and the use of supplements or steroids—behaviors that are often misread as dedication to fitness rather than symptoms of a serious mental health condition.

For athletes, the line between dedication and disorder is even more blurred. The culture of many sports normalizes, and sometimes even encourages, extreme training regimens, strict diets, and a focus on maintaining a specific body weight or composition for peak performance. Behaviors that would be flagged as concerning in the general population are often lauded as signs of commitment in an athlete. This environment makes it difficult for athletes, coaches, and even families to identify the warning signs of conditions like anorexia, bulimia, or orthorexia—an obsession with "healthy" eating that becomes psychologically damaging.

An Integrated Approach to Sustainable Recovery

To dismantle these barriers, Hilltop Behavioral Health has developed a comprehensive treatment model that integrates mental health therapy, nutritional support, and group-based treatment. This multi-faceted approach is designed to address both the psychological roots of the disorder and the behavioral patterns that sustain it, creating a foundation for lasting recovery.

A cornerstone of their methodology is Family-Based Treatment (FBT), an evidence-based approach widely considered the leading treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa. FBT empowers families to become active participants in the recovery process, helping to manage meals and support their loved one in a structured, non-judgmental way. While traditionally used with adolescents, the principles of FBT are being adapted for other populations, including young adults and athletes, where family or a core support system can be instrumental in navigating the complexities of recovery.

The practice's integrated model ensures that clients receive coordinated care. Therapists work to uncover the underlying emotional triggers and cognitive distortions, while registered dietitians help clients rebuild a healthy relationship with food, challenging disordered beliefs and providing education on nutritional needs—a critical component for athletes aiming for a safe return to their sport. This holistic strategy moves beyond simple symptom management to foster genuine, sustainable healing.

Expanding Access Through Technology

Recognizing that geography should not be a barrier to specialized care, Hilltop Behavioral Health has heavily invested in its telehealth infrastructure. In addition to its in-person services in Summit, New Jersey, the practice now offers virtual eating disorder therapy across more than twenty states.

This virtual care model is particularly crucial for the populations they serve. Men who may feel stigmatized seeking help can do so from the privacy of their own homes. Athletes with demanding training and travel schedules can maintain consistent treatment without disrupting their careers. Families in rural or underserved areas, far from specialized clinics, can access the same high-quality, evidence-based care as those in major metropolitan centers.

The practice also works with insurance plans to improve the affordability of treatment, addressing one of the most significant hurdles for individuals and families seeking help for an eating disorder. By combining multi-state virtual access with efforts to reduce financial barriers, the organization is making a concerted effort to democratize access to life-saving care.

A Philosophy of Hope and Full Recovery

At the heart of the practice's mission is a deeply held belief in the possibility of complete healing. The clinical team, under Pollack’s leadership, operates from a philosophy that recovery is not just about managing symptoms but about achieving a life free from the constraints of the eating disorder.

"Full recovery is not only possible—it is the only path toward meaningful change," says Pollack. "No one chooses to live with an eating disorder. At Hilltop Behavioral Health, we welcome individuals, families, and loved ones seeking support. Our clinical staff is committed to helping clients stop harmful patterns and move toward lasting recovery."

This compassionate, research-grounded approach is setting a new standard for how eating disorders are treated, especially for those who have long been on the margins of care. By specifically targeting the needs of men and athletes and combining clinical expertise with accessible technology, Hilltop Behavioral Health is not just expanding a practice—it is challenging outdated stereotypes and opening a vital door to recovery for those who have been suffering in silence.