Males and Eating Disorders on the Rise

Men with Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge Eating are Becoming Common

Jun 5, 2006

It’s a fact that rates of males and eating disorders are on the rise. More and more often, men with anorexia, bulimia and binge eating are being diagnosed and treated.

The stereotype of a young girl from a well-off family with an eating disorder is well known, but untrue. Males suffer from these disorders as painfully as do females, although it is less common. But is that because guys are less susceptible or because they are less likely to get treatment?

Men are under similar pressure as women to obtain a certain body type. History hasn't been as harsh on them, but the demand is becoming increasingly higher. More males are reported to be hospitalized than ever before, with the same symptoms, feelings and behaviours as their female counterparts.

It is believed one of the reasons we haven't heard about men and eating disorders very often is because they are reluctant to confess what they see as "women's problems." But as the severity of the disorder becomes increasingly acute, Doctors can't help but notice the rise in numbers.

Support for males is also unbalanced. Most programs are specifically for girls or women, but do not include resources for men. While this was established because the rate of female patients was so high, things are changing and we can't forget to create networks of help for men with anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders, as well.

It might not be appropriate to mix the sexes, either, as men might find talking about women's socio-cultural issues and lost menstrual periods irrelevant.

It is clear that people, from either sex, need professional help to recover. It is important, then, for that support to be available. Below are some resources that deal with issues related to men and disordered eating.

I would love some feedback from people with experience or knowledge about this, as I can only share my experience as a woman. It is important that this site provide useful information for everyone, so please send me your comments and stories and discuss issues that are important to you in the discussion forum below.

Books:

The Adonis Complex: How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Body Obsession in Men and Boys, by Harrison G. Pope Jr., M.D., Katherine A. Phillips, M.D., and Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D.

The copyright of the article Males and Eating Disorders on the Rise in Eating Disorders is owned by Lori Henry. Permission to republish Males and Eating Disorders on the Rise in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Jun 5, 2006 7:20 PM

Jennifer W. Miner :

When I was a counselor at a forensic college that specialized in training cops, I was surprised to see how many men came to see me, who had body image issues. But, rather than anorexia or bulemia, what I saw was steroid abuse and guys spending an exhaustive amount of time in the gym. Don't you think that body image disorders take on different forms, roughly delineated by gender? Just curious.

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Jun 5, 2006 9:21 PM

Lori Henry :

I do agree that the pressures are different for women, than they are for men. But it is becoming increasingly more common for men to be diagnosed with the "common" disorders that were once reserved for women.

The issue of working out excessively in the gym, abusing steroids and feeling self-conscious about their body are definitely issues that I will be exploring. There are <i>very</i> few women who are trying to gain bulk in an unhealthy way like some men are.

The general stats say that women are trying to lose weight and men are trying to gain. This is true, but I don't think it's as easy as splitting it up by gender.

Thank you so much for your comments, Jennifer; I will be dissecting this topic more in depth shortly. What I really want is some men to comment and send me their stories. Your experience is important!