Eating Disorder Resource centre of Ireland
Males and Eating Disorders
Statistics for Males and Eating Disorders:
Twenty years ago for every 10-15 females who suffered from Anorexia or bulimia there as only 1 male.
Today research shows for every 4 females with anorexia there Is 1 male
And for every 8-11 females with bulimia there is 1 male.
(American journal of psychiatry 2001)
Binge eating disorder occurs equally in males and females,
Although many males are not a likely to feel guilty or
Anxious after a binge as women do.
Risk factors for males :
- Being fat or overweight as a child.
- Starting to diet
- Participating in a sport that demands thinness - runners, Jockeys, football players, weight lifters.
- Doing a job that demands thinness - models, entertainers, dancer .
- If you are gay then you are judged on physical attractiveness by the gay community , hence you are more prone to development of an Ed due to body image preoccupation.
Compare and contrast in males & females :
- Males often develop Ed's at older ages than females.
- Males are encouraged to be strong and powerful, to build their bodies so they can be successful, whereas women are to slim down to get the same results.
- Males when asked if they had a magic wish they want power money, success, rich lifestyle, or to bulk up etc., females almost always want to lose weight.
Male sufferers also have the added stigma of having a woman's disorder !!
Possible causes :
Males are more likely to have a specific trigger examples….
- Being bullied/teased in childhood,
- Being bullied/teased for being overweight, (majority of men)
- Low self esteem,
- Genetics,
- Starting a body building program and becoming preoccupied with body image hence developing an Ed.,
- Having a specific occupation/ sport that creates an unhealthy preoccupation with the body.
Older males had experiences of eating disorders throughout their lives associated with….
- Loss of partner,
- Illness of a parent,
- Relationship breakdown,
- Change of job,
- Stress of achieving work or higher uni qualifications.
Trauma.
Cultural/media pressures, (males are bombarded with weight loss or bulk up products).
Again gay males are more susceptible due to being judged by
Physical attractiveness.
Symptoms :
Body image concerns appears to be one of the strongest variables in predicting eating disorders in males.
- Obsessive preoccupation with the body, weight, and shape,
- Compulsive over exercising ,
- Abuse of products to bulk up,
- Restricting foods (fats and fluids to maintain high definition)
- Diet pills.
Treatment :
A tailored package to deal with the UN ique baggage that each individual presents is necessary for recovery to take Place. The individuals mental, emotional, physical and spiritual levels need to be addressed in order to ascertain the root cause and then deal with it effectively. During this process it is common to have lapses or set backs, but this is where the learning is. The psychological implications must be addressed in order to make emotional changes and thus create the necessary behavioural changes.
It is important to note that recovery is possible and effective Once the individual is prepared to work through the various Underlying issues.
Many males do not seek help as they feel stigmatised by the Illness, or they feel it is a sign of weakness or fear to show your feelings. Many suffer in silence or are not diagnosed early enough .Many feel uncomfortable in a group setting and feel discomfort with women issues being discussed openly.
Suzanne Horgan director & founder Certified Trainer in Practitioner Skills for Eating Disorders and Obesity Contact Us today..........info@eatingdisorders.ie