More Men Report Suffering from Eating Disorders

For a long time, it was widely believed that 10% of patients diagnosed with eating disorders are male. A few years ago, however, in a study conducted by Harvard University, it was discovered that 25 percent of those with anorexia or bulimia were men and 40 percent of the binge eaters were also male. Further research has corroborated these higher figures.

The increase in men with anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder has been attributed to different sources by different researchers. Some think that as our culture rejects certain clichés about men and women, more men are willing to come forward and report that they struggle with eating disorders. Others believe the increase is due to an actual increase in men developing these conditions, as a result of the ever-intensifying social and cultural emphasis on appearance, with thinness as the ideal for both men and women.

It is important to remember that even though social cultural factors play an important part in the development of an Eating Disorder, it is only one part of a triad that needs to be present. The other two necessary components for developing an Eating Disorder include a Genetic/Biological predisposition as well as the individual Psychology/Temperament of the Individual.

Although the major symptoms for eating disorders remain the same for both genders, there are some differences. First, even if men are feeling freer currently to seek help with these conditions, they are still slower to report that they struggle with an eating disorder than women. Eating disorders are widely viewed as “women’s” conditions, and much like breast cancer, men are slow to seek treatment due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.

Another major difference is that women think they are overweight at the onset of eating disorders, when actually their weight is close to normal. Men on the other hand are usually overweight at the onset of an eating disorder.

Men cite sports-related concerns as part of their eating disorders more often than women. According to research compiled by Tom Shiltz, MS, CADIII, Rogers Memorial Hospital, Oconomowoc, WI, “Gymnasts, runners, body builders, rowers, wrestlers, jockeys, dancers, and swimmers are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders because their sports necessitate weight restriction (Andersen, Bartlett, Morgan, & Brownell, 1995). ” It should be noted that even though weight restrictions play a role, any athletic endeavor can lead to men being overly concerned with their physique and weight.

It is important, however, to remember that despite these differences, the main underlying causes and symptoms of eating disorders are the same for both genders.

According to a report done by CBS News, “if your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or actions around food, weight, exercise or body image interfere with the quality of life, emotional well-being or physical wellness, you may have an eating disorder.”

The risk factors for both genders are the same as well. In a study done by the Washington Post, factors include a family history of eating disorders, perfectionist and obsessive behaviors, and a history of dieting.

Finally, for both men and women, the early warning signs are also the same. They include: a preoccupation with body shape and/or weight, an obsessive interest in diets and dieting, frequently denying feelings of hunger, self-defeating statements about food consumption after eating, avoidance of eating in public, excessive amounts of exercise, constipation, frequently being cold, repeatedly going to the restroom immediately after meals, excessive sweating and shortness of breath, compulsive arranging food on a plate and cutting it into ever smaller pieces, mood swings, and hiding food in strange places.

For both men and women getting help such as anorexia treatment or bulimia treatment is more effective, with a greater chance of complete recovery, if done as soon as possible. Here are some strategies to use to help prevent eating disorders in men (taken from “Strategies for Prevention and Early Intervention of Male Eating Disorders” adapted from Shiltz, T. 1997):

Talk with young men about the ways in which cultural attitudes regarding ideal male body shape,

masculinity, and sexuality are shaped by the media. Assist young men in expanding their idea of

“masculinity” to include such characteristics as caring, nurturing, and cooperation. Encourage male

involvement in traditional “non-masculine” activities such as shopping, laundry, and cooking.

Confront others who tease men who do not meet traditional cultural expectations for masculinity.

Confront anyone who tries to motivate or “toughen up” young men by verbally attacking their

masculinity; e.g., calling names such as “sissy” or “wimp.”

Listen carefully to a young man’s thoughts and feelings, take his pain seriously, allow him to become who he is.

And finally, recognize that eating disorders do not discriminate on the basis of gender. Men can and do develop eating disorders.

About the Author:

Scott Bullock is the author of this article on Eating Disorder Centers. Find more information about Eating Disorder Treatment here.