The Hidden Addiction in Fitness Culture That No One Talks About

About this episode

Patrick Devenny shares his hidden battle with eating disorders and addiction within fitness culture.

Most people don’t even know men can have eating disorders. In this powerful episode of The Chris Stefanick Show, I sit down with former college football player Patrick Devenny, who opens up about a hidden battle that nearly destroyed his life. From chasing NFL dreams to spiraling into obsession with food, fitness, and control, Patrick shares how what looked like “discipline” on the outside was actually deep pain, shame, and addiction on the inside. We talk about: -Why eating disorders in men go unnoticed-How fitness culture can mask serious struggles-The role of identity, loss, and control in addiction-The turning point that changed everything-How Jesus, community, and truth led him toward healing If you’ve ever struggled with body image, shame, or feeling trapped in your own mind—this episode is for you. Jesus came for the broken. And healing starts when we stop hiding. Highlights:0:00 Intro3:40 Can men have eating disorders?5:10 Patrick’s football journey & identity9:30 Losing everything—and hitting rock bottom12:45 Can Jesus actually heal something like this?17:50 The hidden world of male eating disorders22:00 When “discipline” becomes obsession27:30 The breaking point31:00…

People in this episode

Host: Chris Stefanick

Guest: Patrick Devenny

Topics covered

• eating disorders
• fitness culture
• male identity
• addiction
• healing
• body image

Keywords

• eating disorders
• fitness culture
• male addiction
• body image
• healing
• discipline
• shame

More episodes of Chris Stefanick Catholic Show

• The 14 Stations of the Eucharist | Fr. Jonathan Meyer · June 9, 2026 · 1h 5m
• Lonely-Proofing Yourself and the World · May 30, 2026 · 12 min
• Stop Protecting Your Kids From Everything — With Outdoor Adventurer Tom Zimmer · May 26, 2026 · 35 min
• How to Become a River of Peace | Pentecost Sunday Reflection · May 23, 2026 · 12 min
• Why Hating Your Worst Self Is Making Everything Worse | Dr. Peter Malinoski · May 19, 2026 · 1h 20m
• Part of You Is Already in Heaven (The Ascension Changes Everything) · May 16, 2026 · 7 min