40% of teens with eating disorders are male and researchers are blaming action figures

Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are often thought to be the preserve of young women.

But some 40 per cent of American teenagers and 25 per cent of all American adults battling such conditions are actually male, according to Harvard research.

Therapists have also revealed that more men and boys than ever before are seeking help for issues with weight and self-esteem - and that children's action figures are to blame.

Read more: Daily Mail