Eating Disorders In Males

Contrary to public opinion, eating disorders are not exclusive to women. Although fewer in number, men also experience eating disorders.

Up until recently much of the literature on males and eating disorders suggested that 10% of people with eating disorders are men. It is now thought that this figure no longer reflect the reality of males and eating disorders and in some more up to date research figures ranging between 15% and 25% have been quoted.

Health professionals working in the field of eating disorders see many more females than males, partly because of the lower incidence of eating disorders in males, but also because eating disorders tend still to be regarded by many as a female issue. As a result, boys and men may find it harder to seek help, and if they do, they may fear that they will not be met with understanding. Health professionals may be less likely to look out for eating disorders in males and this may also lead to under-diagnosis of eating disorders in the male population.

Some experts believe that there has been a significant increase in eating disorders in males in recent years and this is seen to be linked to media messages about men. Media emphasis on a lean, muscular ideal for males can create or exacerbate body image issues and low self esteem, increasing a person's vulnerability to developing an eating disorder. Men as well as women are affected by society's prevailing messages about physical appearance, and about what is and is not perceived as attractive and desirable. Media content, influenced by the fashion and cosmetics industries devoted to making men "look good" has become much more prevalent in recent years. A trim and fit aesthetic for men is increasingly represented as the norm. When this message is internalised, it can result in a person measuring their worth against unrealistic standards.

Risk Factors For Males

There are many reasons why a person might develop an eating disorder.

There may have been a traumatic event or a series of events, feelings of pressure and/or an accumulation of stress with which the person feels unable to cope.

For males the following may be triggers:

  • Being overweight for their height and age as children and/or having been teased or bullied about weight.
  • A history of dieting. Dieting is one of the most powerful risk factors for eating disorders in both men and women.
  • Being excessively concerned with fitness, which in turn can lead to over exercising. Men in particular, can become obsessed with moulding their bodies into a particular physique.
  • Participation in a sport or other activity that demands thinness. Runners, jockeys, boxers, rowers and dancers, for example, are at higher risk than football players.
  • A job or profession that demands thinness. Male models, actors and entertainers seem to be at higher risk than the general population.
  • Conflict and anxiety over gender identity or over sexual orientation may precipitate the development of an eating disorder in some males.

Some men experience severe distress due to body image disturbance. This condition is known as Body Dysmorphia.

Reverse Anorexia is a name given to a disorder where there is a drive to increase bulk accompanied by obsessive behaviours (related to both exercise and nutrition) and significant body image distortion. This is also know as Muscle Dysmorphia.

Getting Help

Many men feel shy and awkward about getting help for an eating disorder, see General Information on eating disorders. It is important to remember that seeking help and treatment early will often mean that recovery will be less difficult and treatment less intensive. Eating disorders have a number of medical and psychological consequences and treatment should always include looking at both the psychological issues underlying the disorder and the physical aspects.

Eating disorders are serious, potentially life threatening issues. However, with appropriate treatment and support, most people make a full recovery though this can take time.

Suggested websites with helpful sections for men:

www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
www.edauk.com
www.edreferral.com
www.anred.com
www.eating-disorders.org.uk
www.bulimia.com

Suggested Reading:

Making Weigh: Men's Conflicts with Food, Weight, Shape and Appearance, Andersen, Cohen and Holbrook, Gurze Books, 2000, www.gurze.net
Fit to Die - Men and Eating Disorders, Anna Patterson, Lucky Duck Publishing, 2004, www.luckyduck.co.uk
Anorexia Nervosa: a Survival Guide for Families, Friends and Sufferers, Janet Treasure, Psychology Press, 1997
Getting Better Bit(e) by Bit(e): a Survival Kit for Sufferers of Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder, Ulrike Schmidt and Janet Treasure, Laurence Erlbaum Associates, 1993
Binge eating - Breaking the Cycle: a self help guide towards recovery, available from Bodywhys, 2006.
Males with Eating Disorders, Arnold Andersen, Brunner Mazel, Eating Disorders Monograph Series 4, 1990.

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