One of the most widespread beliefs is that males aren’t affected by disordered eating. This is not true.
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 so many men with eating disorders 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 males, 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.
Websites:
Books:
Making Weight: Men's Conflicts with Food, Weight Shape & Appearance, by Leigh Cohn
Males with Eating Disorders, Edited by Arnold E. Anderson, M.D.
Looking Good: Male Body Image in Modern America
