Eating Disorders in Males

Eating disorders in males is similar to female eating disorder. They also get anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Few of them engage themselves in bingeing and compulsive eating. Research reveals that males suffering from anorexia are in the ratio of 1:4 to females and 1:8 males suffer from bulimia nervosa, with respect to females. But, unlike females, males are devoid of guilt or anxiety after bingeing.

Males with eating disorders are unwilling to open up to psychiatrists or counselors.

Anorexia is an eating disorder, associated with a perception of excessive weight. Bulimia nervosa is a cyclic process involving purging and bingeing. The risk of eating disorders in males is affected by excessive weight during childhood. Dieting in any phase of life is an essential aspect contributing to eating disorders. Individuals in a field requiring thinness or body image, such as sports, modeling, athletes and acting force them to lose weight, thereby resulting in anorexia or bulimia. Research reveals that men in the gay community are more prone to eating disorders.

Males undergo occupational hazards, such as those acting as models and actors and try to act as role models for other men, which force them to follow this, resulting in anorexia or bulimia nervosa. Dieting and eating disorders are associated with females. Males require special help in treating this disorder, and the outcome is beneficial. A physician and mental therapist are required. The latter is required to assess the psychological reason behind the problem.

Media messages also play a crucial role in these eating disorders. The pace, at which the intervention begins, is critical in its treatment. Lack of treatment centers and their reluctance to attend female therapy centers is a hindrance in their treatment program. Problems in their personal lives or family is a primary cause in the occurrence of these disorders. The risk of men suffering from eating disorder, to suffer from drug abuse or alcoholism is greater.

The anxiety for sex is greater in men, who suffer from anorexia or bulimia. Studies also reveal the existence of correlation between Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and eating disorders. Anxiety, multi-personality syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, stress, depression and others are the primordial reasons for anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Lack of self respect is the causative factor of eating disorders in both males and females. Non acceptance by family or peers and inability to cope with stress and emotions trigger anorexia or bulimia.

Submitted on January 16, 2014