Feb 23 2009
Eating Disorders In Men
I used to be so thankful that I was the mother of all boys because I thought that at least I wouldn’t pass my eating disorder on to them, but the truth is that boys and men do suffer with all types of eating disorders. It is estimated that 8 million people in the United States are suffering from an eating disorder, and of that number 10% are men. It is most likely that this number is also inaccurate due to under reporting of males who falsely believe that this illness only strikes women, so few men will seek out the help that they need.
Men who participate in low-weight oriented sports such as jockeys, wrestlers and runners are at an increased risk of developing an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. The pressure to succeed, to be the best, to be competitive and to win at all costs, combined with any non-athletic pressures in their lives can help to contribute to the onset of their disordered eating. Although the course of the illnesses is similar to women, men tend to develop eating disorders later in life than women. There are certain risk factors involved in the development of an eating disorder that are more specific to men such as being overweight as a child. It is also more common for homosexual men to suffer from anorexia and bulimia because of the cultural expectations of the gay community to place a high level of importance on appearance. Men are more likely to exercise to excess as a significant part of anorexia and bulimia. They have body image distortions, believing themselves to be fat when, in fact, they are very thin. Men also tend to develop their eating disorders later in life than women.
Few men tend to come forward with their eating disorders because of the lack of therapy groups and treatment centers offering groups specifically designed for men. They may feel very alone at the thought of having to sit in a group of women, to be part of a program designed for women, and even at the prospect that a treatment facility will turn them down because of their sex.
The most important thing, overall, to remember is that most of the underlying psychological factors that lead to an eating disorder are the same for both men and women. Low self-esteem, a need to be accepted, depression, anxiety or other existing psychological illness, and an inability to cope with emotions and personal issues. All of the physical dangers and complications associated with being the sufferer of an eating disorder are the same. A great number of the causes are the same or very similar (family problems, relationship issues, alcoholic/addictive parent, abuse, societal pressure). One of the most important things to keep in mind is that all people deserve to find recovery, healing, and peace within themselves.
For more information for boys and men with eating disorders
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/p.asp?WebPage_ID=285
