Male Eating Disorders

Eating disorders affect people of all ages, ethnicities, races and genders. It is not possible to tell if someone has one by looking at him or her as those who suffer from them can be underweight, normal weight or overweight. It is estimated that 1/4 to 1/3 of the individuals with eating disorders are male, and unhealthy eating behaviors are increasing at a faster rate in boys than girls. While females usually are driven to be thin, anorexic males typically focus on gaining a muscular physique, which is sometimes referred to as “reverse anorexia” or “bigorexia.” People with eating disorders are more likely to experience depression, self-harm, and anxiety, personality and substance abuse disorders.

The underlying causes of eating disorders are thought to be the same in both sexes, environment, genetic disposition and societal messages that reward “ideal” bodies. Individuals with first-degree relatives who have an eating disorder are up to 12 times more likely to develop one than those with no family history. Youth who compete in sports that focus on appearance and weight, including bodybuilding, dancing, gymnastics, rowing, running and wrestling, also are at a higher risk. According to Doug Bunnell, a fellow at the Academy of Eating Disorders, bulimia and binge eating disorders are more “socially sensitive” than anorexia.

Boys may work out excessively, use steroids and over-the-counter supplements to increase muscle mass and definition and minimize body fat, and become obsessed with “clean eating,” eliminating carbohydrates and drastically increasing protein. Possible signs of an eating disorder in males include: avoiding or withdrawing from social gatherings involving food; constantly weighing themselves or looking in the mirror; consuming large amounts of food; going to the bathroom during or immediately after meals; obsessively counting calories and/or reading nutrition labels; refusing to eat certain food groups; and rigid or unusual eating rituals (such as cutting food into small pieces or pushing it around their plates).

Both men and women can lose bone density as the result of nutritional deficits. Boys with eating disorders also can suffer from low levels of Vitamin D and testosterone, and damage to their joints, muscles and tendons from over-exercising. Accompanying steroid use leads to abnormal liver function, acne, bursts of anger or “roid rage,” constipation, decreased sperm count, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and testicular atrophy. Eating disorders are more likely to be fatal in males than females because they lose weight more easily, reduce body fat more quickly and tend to be diagnosed later or never.

While boys respond well to eating disorder treatments that are successful with girls, most programs center on females, which can make males feel out of place. College can be a particularly dangerous time for developing an eating disorder when a greater focus on peers, an increased workload, less structure, and unhealthy and/or unscheduled eating may combine with existing anxieties, learning issues and/or poor self-esteem. Students may try to control their stressful environments by food restriction, over-exercise or an unhealthy preoccupation with body weight. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), eating disorders typically start between age 8 and 21. NEDA estimates that between 10 and 20 percent of females and 4 to 10 percent of males in college have an eating disorder with rates continuing to rise.

If you are worried that someone has an eating disorder, try to remain calm and non-judgmental when talking to him or her. Rather than mentioning appearance, focus on how you are worried about his or her unhealthy behaviors and the harmful effect they are having. To keep the individual from becoming defensive or feeling guilty, NEDA recommends using “I statements”, such as “I am concerned” or “It makes me afraid”, rather than “you statements” like “You need to stop.” Be prepared to listen and to be persistent since people with eating disorders often deny they have a problem.

Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder. According to Mental Health America, up to 20 percent of individuals with a serious eating disorder die without treatment. It typically is recommended that care be provided by a multidisciplinary team, including a primary care physician, a therapist, a dietitian, and/or a psychiatrist. Be alert for “thinspiration” sites online that promote rather than provide help for eating disorders. They often are labeled “pro-ana” (pro-anorexia), “pro-mia” (pro-bulimia) or “thinspo.” NEDA has an online Navigator Program offering guidance and support. Behavioral, physical and psychological recovery from eating disorders is possible. #EatingDisorders #EatingDisorder #DisorderedEating