Eating Disorders: Not just a Female Problem

Eating disorders primarily affect the female population, but that does not mean males are not affected. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, as well as all other eating disorders can also strike males.

Research has shown that for every four females that suffer from anorexia, there is one male who suffers from it, and for every eight to eleven females that suffer from bulimia, there is an estimated one male who suffers from it. Original estimates of male eating disorder rates use to be distorted and the number of affected men were represented as remarkably less. One reason for this is because males are less likely to confess to having a "woman's problem." Males are less likely to identify with an eating disorder and may be in denial that they actually have a problem.

There are differences in males when it comes to eating disorders. For example, males with eating disorders often develop an eating disorder later in life than females, and males with eating disorders usually have a history of obesity. Another difference is that females find cultural pressures in advertising and media to be thin. Thin is seen as successful and attractive for females. On the other hand, males are portrayed as physically in shape and muscular in media, which equates thinness to being weak and devoid of muscle.

 
Certain sports can influence men to become dangerously thin, just like in female athletics. Sports like wrestling, cross country running, and swimming have a higher rate of anorexia, and bulimia than other male sports where muscular figures are more desirable.

 
Treatment of eating disorders is already a difficult task but males make it more difficult because they are less likely to ask for help or admit their problem. It has been shown that a majority of the time professional help is required for recovery. This is dangerous for males because they are more fearful of finding help. Recovery with the aid of a professional has shown good results just like with females.

 
Studies for eating disorders in men are sparse and harder to conduct because of several factors. The two main reasons are the fewer number of men that are inflicted, and the anxiety that men suffer when they have to try and admit their problems. However, it is a problem that cannot be ignored for either sex, as eating disorders can be dangerously unhealthy. Seek help if you or a male you know is having problems dealing with food.

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