Male Eating Disorders

Men and Eating Disorders

Understanding Men and Eating Disorders

A common misconception is that eating disorders are solely a woman's health issue. Today, there are many more cases of male eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia than ever before. Whereas twenty years ago it was understood that there was one case of male anorexia for every 10-15 cases of anorexia in females, today, that ratio has been dramatically reduced to one for every four cases. Similarly, the cases of bulimia have been reduced to one male for every 8-11 cases in females.

Binge eating disorder, which is commonly the propellant for anorexia or bulimia, is equally capable of occurring in males and females. The primary reason why there are more reported cases of these conditions by women, is that men are not as likely to feel as guilty about their bingeing as most women are.

Researchers believe that the number of men with eating disorders would be significantly higher if more men were less reluctant to seek professional help for their eating disorder. Further complicating the issue is that most health care professionals are not used to seeing male patients with eating disorders, so in effect, men will often be misdiagnosed.

Men, Eating Disorders and Risk Factors

In our modern society, males are just as at risk of developing an eating disorder as women for a number of reasons. We live in an age where physical appearance can determine everything from getting an additional discount at the market to actually whether or not you get the high-paying job. The stress on appearance has resulted in the United States becoming a nation of dieters. Dieting is a powerful trigger for a number of female and male eating disorders. Other reasons why males are at risk for eating disorders include:

• Athletes are at severe risk of eating disorders as they will typically eat and exercise in over-excessive or under-excessive amounts
• Men who work in the entertainment industry are at risk for male eating disorders because the demand for thinness is part of the job.
• As a society, we are inundated with visions of male underwear models who are promoted as the typical body type, thus causing comparisons and attempts to be that "perfect specimen."
• Gay males are hyper-sensitive about their body image and as such are at a high risk of developing male eating disorders.
• Similar to the way that Barbie dolls have given many young girls a false sense of body image, young boys are also being misdirected with action figures featuring sculpted, muscular bodies.

Treatments for Male Eating Disorders

Although it has been scientifically proven that men are just as at risk of developing eating disorders as women, many treatment programs and support groups are still designed for, and populated primarily by, women. Because many of the topics of discussion often turn to women's issues, men may be less likely to feel comfortable within the group. This is unfortunate, because in order to recover from eating disorders, men require the help provided from treatment.

The research is clearly evident – recovery from male eating disorders is possible.

Unfortunately, before an individual seeks professional help for their male eating disorder, it is not uncommon for that person to become addicted to alcohol or drugs. Patients with eating disorders are at a tremendous risk for developing an addiction as they will often try to self-medicate their illness rather then face the reality of it. When this occurs, it is called a dual diagnosis.

In order to have the best chance at recovery, you should locate a rehab facility which includes its own detox program, continuing rehabilitation program, family therapy component and dual diagnosis capabilities. While each rehab facility or dual diagnosis program may feature different philosophies, in most, the addiction to the alcohol or drugs is treated first. Once the addiction is under control and the toxins are eliminated from the body through detox, then treatment for the male eating disorders can be easier to manage.

If you are battling an eating disorder, it's time you stopped trying to manage it on your own. Get the help you deserve and be back on your way to a healthy lifestyle. Treatment for male eating disorders works, so don't wait, call 1-800-542-4610 now.