Club Majority is working alongside Dr Hibbah Osei-Kwasi at Loughborough University, seeking to investigate eating disorder behaviours among Black men socially relevant spaces, for example barbershops. Through semi-structured interviews and observations, we will explore whether eating disorder behaviours exist amongst Black men in these contexts, how these behaviours manifest, and the potential influence of social, cultural and psychological factors on eating disorder behaviours.

This research hopes to challenge stereotypes that eating disorders do not affect Black men, inform health interventions and mental health support in a culturally sensitive and appropriate manner, as well as position barbershops as spaces to discuss food, health, and well-being. The three research questions we hope to answer are:

1. Do Black men in barbershops exhibit eating disorder behaviours?

2. How do cultural, social, and gender norms influence their eating patterns and body image perceptions?

3. Are there discussions or signs of disordered eating within barbershop communities? 

Eating disorders have historically been framed as conditions primarily affecting White, middle-class women, resulting in the systematic neglect of other social groups in both research and clinical practice. This narrow framing has reinforced stereotypes that Black men are “immune” to such conditions, which contributes to underrecognition, misdiagnosis, and limited culturally relevant treatment pathways.

Black men, in particular, remain underrepresented in eating disorder research despite growing evidence that they experience disordered eating, body image concerns, and muscle dysmorphia at comparable or even higher rates than other populations. However, cultural stigma, gendered expectations of masculinity, and racialised stereotypes of physicality can make disclosure and help-seeking especially challenging.

By centring Black men’s experiences, this study seeks to disrupt dominant narratives that marginalise or erase them from eating disorder discourse. It also aims to produce insights that can inform more inclusive health promotion, screening, and intervention strategies—addressing both racial and gender disparities in recognition, care, and outcomes.

So, why barbershops? Well, barbershops often function as trusted cultural hubs—safe, informal spaces where men exchange advice, build networks, and discuss sensitive issues. These settings therefore provide a culturally grounded entry point for engaging Black men in conversations about eating disorder behaviours that might otherwise remain hidden.