Eating disorders and body issues have historically been associated with women, but they are prominent in men, as students learned at a Tuesday event.

Eating disorders and gender were the topic of discussion during Males and Eating Disorders in the Holmes Student Center’s Illinois Room. The presentation, which was led by Eric Appiah, assistant director of fitness and wellness, focused on informing students about body issues associated with males.

Appiah focused on “stereotypical” men in the media, such as Channing Tatum and Mark Wahlberg, saying how studnets don’t have to look like those men to be healthy.

Other issues were brought up, such as what do to if a friend may have an eating disorder, the effect the mainstream media has on influencing perception of a healthy male body and the effects supplements and protein have on men’s bodies.

Kevin Steiger, sophomore media studies major, said he had a positive experience at the discussion.

“I learned more here than what I knew coming in,” Steiger said.

Appiah gave advice for students struggling with body image and eating disorders.

“If you are struggling there are tons of resources on campus to help you,” Appiah said. “If you don’t know where to go you can come to the Rec and we can steer you in the right direction.”

Registered dietician Martha O’Gorman also presented. O’Gorman discussed diet, such as the negative effect diet supplements have and how students can find a lot of protein in the things they eat.

“Eat a balance of foods from all food groups and make sure you eat breakfast,” O’Gorman said.