Eating disorders in males

Eating disorders are often called a female disorder when in reality males are diagnosed with eating disorders as well (Weisenberger, 2017). Males can be afraid to come forward about their issues because eating disorder has been characterized as a women’s problem in the past. According the National Eating Disorders Association, in the United states, 20 million women and 10 million men will suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime That means for every 2 females diagnosed with an eating disorder, there will be one male with an eating disorder.  As a result of this misconception, males are diagnosed late and receive treatment later in the disease process rather than earlier like females. As a result, males become more ill due to the disease as time goes on due to not getting the help needed sooner. Males fall under the same pressure as females from their peers and from the media. They are pressured to be physically strong like how the media portrays them and desire an athletic body with little body fat and acquire abs. Along with media pressure comes pressure from friends and family members. There may be bullying involved or weight teasing by others that trigger the start of eating disorder behaviors (Weisenberger, 2017). Healthcare providers, families, friends, and everyone else needs to realize males are able to develop eating disorders and they must be able to recognize the signs as early as possible and intervene not only for females but for men as well.

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Weisenberger, J. (2017). Eating disorders also affect boys and men. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Retrieved from http://www.eatright.org/resource/health/diseases-and-conditions/eating-disorders/eating-disorders-problem-also-affects-boys-and-men

National Eating Disorders Association. Research on males and eating disorders. Retrieved from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/general-information/research-on-males