Eating disorders are often construed as a woman s issue. Today, however, about 10 to 15 percent of those with eating disorders are male, according to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. And that number is likely underreported due to the failure to recognize symptoms of eating disorders in men, as well as a strong tendency towards denial of the female disorder among men.
Researchers from the University of Oxford in the UK interviewed 39 individuals between the ages of 16 and 25, ten of whom were men, in order to better understand the male perspective of their own eating disorders. They focused on four areas: recognition of early signs and symptoms; recognition of the problem; getting help and initial contact with health care; and support services. They found that men did not realize they had eating disorders because of the assumption that eating disorders only affect women. They also found that the men had some negative experiences in dealing with medical professionals when they sought help for their problem, and were often not taken seriously.
Researchers concluded: "It is important to decouple the experience and (self) management of eating disorders from feminized cultural imagery, resources and clinical practice if we wish to prevent men from (dis)missing signs and symptoms themselves, and prevent health and other professionals (e.g., teachers) from overlooking signs and symptoms in boys and young men that they may readily recognize as indicative of eating disorders in young women."
ACSH s Ariel Savransky adds, Although this was a small study, the message is extremely important. It is imperative that men are aware of the fact that they too can suffer from eating disorders and they should feel comfortable getting the help they need. This is going to come from a societal change in the way we approach eating disorders as well as a change in the medical community. Medical professionals should be more aware of the prevalence of eating disorders in men and should be prepared to help those individuals. Since such disorders can be extremely disabling or even fatal, a change in perspective among both doctors and men with the problem is mandatory.