When people think about eating disorders it tends to be well known females who spring to mind. However, it isn’t just women and girls who are affected by this; men and boys are also prone to suffering with eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia.
There is a distinct stigma associated with having problems controlling what you eat and this is not something new. It has been around for a long time, although as far as male eating disorders go, many people are unaware that men and boys can be affected too. It was revealed in a Harvard study during 2007 that 25% of those taking part were males suffering with anorexia and as much as 40% were males who binge eat. These figures are relatively high for a condition considered to be more female oriented than male.
Of course, when females wear snuggly-fitting jeans and tops the effects of eating disorders are much more noticeable. The shape of their bodies is revealed and more often than not their bones protrude from under their skin, a sight which causes distress to the people close to them.
Girls and women will discuss their new diet regime with their friends. On the other hand the male population is capable of keeping the results of their eating disorders under wraps. This is because any apparent changes in their body form are quickly put down to any other reason but an eating disorder. In fact, many parents of sons are totally unaware than eating disorders can affect their children.
Due to the fact that an association with what is predominantly a girls’ disease could be viewed as unmanly or even feminine, many men will not admit to suffering with such a condition. So, what do they do? They conceal the pain they are feeling and make sure no-one knows about their obsession with food.
Females are constantly having photos thrust at them of what the modeling agencies and glossy magazines refer to as the perfect body. This creates so much pressure on teenagers who have only one desire in life and that is to fit in and be popular with others. But really, it isn’t any different for men and boys. They also see the rock hard muscles on male models and actors and strive to obtain the same appearance in order to attract girls. In the long run, this kind of thinking can ruin the health and the self image of any male especially if he chooses to eat unhealthily and practice bad exercise habits.
Even in this day and age men are still reluctant to step up and admit they have an eating disorder because of the female association with the condition and for this reason the problem is not diagnosed by the medical professionals as much in men and boys. Recently, however, a few Hollywood actors have revealed that they are victims of such disorders and by doing so they are hoping to raise awareness so the signs can be more easily spotted by parents, siblings and friends of those who are unfortunate enough to be suffering in this way. This is seen to be the first step in accepting that men and boys are affected by eating disorders, just as women and girls are.
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