Eating Disorders and Men
Eating Disorders do not just affect women. This is a big misconception. In fact, according to this article, 10-11% of people with EDs are men.
Why is it that we associate eating disorders with women? Probably due to society and ancient gender roles. Women have been more more vocal about their bodies and personal health and discuss it more. If you think about it - EDs and diets are on the cover of every woman's magazine - it's become a very common topic (though even its notoriety hasn't solved the problem or prevented it).
The sad part is that there are men suffering in silence. We've talked about this issue before in the Men's Health group - many men ignore their health. The reasons that men are quiet about ED are the very same reasons. This, however, in my opinion should no longer be the case. Times are changing and there is no excuse for men to be ashamed by caring about their health or by admitting their problems (physical or mental).
Luckily, now more than ever "more men are admitting to having anorexia, bulimia, binge eating problems and even just a preoccupation with being a particular weight." In fact "clinicians are learning more about the millions of men who suffer from body image conflicts, compulsive exercise, weight obsession and other accompanying psychiatric problems like obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression that can accompany a bona fide eating disorder. Men also tend to use steroids more than women to develop a desired masculine build, a condition sometimes called “reverse anorexia.” Interesting.
Being involved in wrestling, gymnastics, or running may also put men at risk. And "those in certain occupations, such as flight attendants, members of the armed forces or actors, may also be at increased risk compared to men in the general population."
As you can see - as with EDs in general - research still needs to be done.
One study from 2007 shows that gay men do appear to have more eating disorders than straight men. Though "there is some research that suggests that gay men with an eating disorder may be more likely to have been the victim of sexual or physical abuse as a child."
Sexuality is not a factor and men with EDs are "not trying to be feminine nor do they seem to have trouble with their masculine role, as they define it." But, like women, men do desire to be attractive to potential partners and believe that being a particular weight and shape is appealing.
As with all EDs, the eating and weight are not the only issues at hand. They are often just symptoms of a greater problem. Again, obsession with weight often accompanies other psychiatric problems like obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression.
And, like women with EDs, men are at risk for the same health problems including osteoporosis and osteopenia (thinning bones).
Thoughts?
(One of my best male friends in high school had anorexia and bulimia - but suffered quietly and alone. It's hard enough for people with EDs to admit it and seek help, but it's especially hard for men. And I really hope this stops being the case. I'm tired of gender roles affecting everything, especially the health community - everyone has the right to feel ok and feel important and allowed to seek treatment. There are very few problems that affect just one sex, but unfortunately most problems do tend to manifest differently in men than women. So paying attention to specific symptoms is still very important.)
Join the Eating Disorders Group
Why is it that we associate eating disorders with women? Probably due to society and ancient gender roles. Women have been more more vocal about their bodies and personal health and discuss it more. If you think about it - EDs and diets are on the cover of every woman's magazine - it's become a very common topic (though even its notoriety hasn't solved the problem or prevented it).
The sad part is that there are men suffering in silence. We've talked about this issue before in the Men's Health group - many men ignore their health. The reasons that men are quiet about ED are the very same reasons. This, however, in my opinion should no longer be the case. Times are changing and there is no excuse for men to be ashamed by caring about their health or by admitting their problems (physical or mental).
Luckily, now more than ever "more men are admitting to having anorexia, bulimia, binge eating problems and even just a preoccupation with being a particular weight." In fact "clinicians are learning more about the millions of men who suffer from body image conflicts, compulsive exercise, weight obsession and other accompanying psychiatric problems like obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression that can accompany a bona fide eating disorder. Men also tend to use steroids more than women to develop a desired masculine build, a condition sometimes called “reverse anorexia.” Interesting.
Being involved in wrestling, gymnastics, or running may also put men at risk. And "those in certain occupations, such as flight attendants, members of the armed forces or actors, may also be at increased risk compared to men in the general population."
As you can see - as with EDs in general - research still needs to be done.
One study from 2007 shows that gay men do appear to have more eating disorders than straight men. Though "there is some research that suggests that gay men with an eating disorder may be more likely to have been the victim of sexual or physical abuse as a child."
Sexuality is not a factor and men with EDs are "not trying to be feminine nor do they seem to have trouble with their masculine role, as they define it." But, like women, men do desire to be attractive to potential partners and believe that being a particular weight and shape is appealing.
As with all EDs, the eating and weight are not the only issues at hand. They are often just symptoms of a greater problem. Again, obsession with weight often accompanies other psychiatric problems like obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression.
And, like women with EDs, men are at risk for the same health problems including osteoporosis and osteopenia (thinning bones).
Thoughts?
(One of my best male friends in high school had anorexia and bulimia - but suffered quietly and alone. It's hard enough for people with EDs to admit it and seek help, but it's especially hard for men. And I really hope this stops being the case. I'm tired of gender roles affecting everything, especially the health community - everyone has the right to feel ok and feel important and allowed to seek treatment. There are very few problems that affect just one sex, but unfortunately most problems do tend to manifest differently in men than women. So paying attention to specific symptoms is still very important.)
Join the Eating Disorders Group
Tags: disorder, eating, eds, health, loss, men, overweight, steroids, underweight, weight
© 2009 Created by Marie
