The Impact of Excessive Exercise and Restriction on Hormones in Men with Marcus Kain

In this week's episode, Han is joined by Marcus Kain. Marcus is an Eating Disorder Informed Nutrition and Stress Management coach who specialises in binge eating recovery. Through private coaching and the Strong Not Starving podcast he provides coaching and resources to help people leave binge eating behind, navigate struggles with body image, manage stress, and create fulfilling relationships with food and exercise.

This week, we discuss:

  • The presentation of eating disorder in men and how they differ, or in fact don't, to women.
  • The role of exercise in recovery and understanding what is appropriate for your recovery.
  • Hormonal changes that occur in men due to overtraining and dietary restriction, and the impact this can have on body composition.
  • Diet trends that men may be susceptible to including biohacking.
  • Societal influences and disordered eating in men.
  • Prioritising stress management and recovery.
  • Self-reflection and patience in the recovery journey.

Please note that this podcast explores topics that some individuals may find difficult to hear and should not be used as a replacement for professional advice. If you need further support after this podcast, please consider talking to someone that you trust. You may also wish to reach out to your GP or mental health professional.

We've included a list of additional support options in case you need them:

Samaritans are here for whatever you are going through. You can call free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.

FirstSteps Eating Disorders is an eating disorders charity for children and their families, young people, and adults affected by eating difficulties and disorders. You can call them on or email info@firststepsed.co.uk.

Beat Eating Disorders is an eating disorder charity offering support for those with or supporting someone with an eating disorder. You can call their helpline for free on 0808 801 0677 (England), 0808 801 0432 (Scotland), 0808 801 0433 (Wales), 0808 801 0434 (Northern Ireland).

Recent Posts

The Healing Power of Art Therapy in Eating Disorder Recovery

By Hannah Hickinbotham • July 27, 2026
Art Psychotherapist Jessica Mackney shares how art therapy can offer a way into eating disorder recovery when words aren't enough, and what it really looks like beyond "just drawing or painting."

From Legally Detained to Activism: What Hannah Whitfield's Story Teaches Us About Mental Health Inpatient Care

By hannah • July 20, 2026
Hannah Whitfield shares her inpatient psychiatric care, restrictive practice, and eating disorder recovery, and how she turned survival into activism with Legally Detained.

When the System Wasn't Built for You: Trans Identity, AuDHD and Eating Disorders with Eva Echo

By Hannah Hickinbotham • July 13, 2026
Eva Echo shares her experience of eating disorders, trans identity, and AuDHD, and what years of medical gatekeeping in UK healthcare really looks like.

Holding Two Truths: When Eating Disorder Care Both Helps and Harms

By Hannah Hickinbotham • July 6, 2026
When we focus on weight in eating disorder treatment, are we doing more harm than good?

People Pleasing and Finding Commitment in Eating Disorder Recovery

By Hannah Hickinbotham • June 29, 2026
How does people pleasing get in the way of eating disorder recovery? And why commitment, not motivation, might be the thing that carries you through. With insights from psychotherapist and lived experience advocate Sarah Parker.

OSFED and UFED: The Most Common Eating Disorders You've Probably Never Heard Of

By Hannah Hickinbotham • June 22, 2026
OSFED and UFED are the most common eating disorder diagnoses, yet remain widely overlooked. Here's what they are, why that happens, and why it needs to change.
Show More