theagingofanorexia

Men Have Eating Disorders Too

It hasn't been that long that the possibility that men could have an eating disorder was accepted. Although people with eating disorders tend not to admit they have a problem, men are even less likely than women to admit to having a problem because they associate eating disorders as being a woman's disease.

Men are better at giving excuses for obsessive exercising or by saying something like 'I'm getting in shape" when a person comments about his eating habits.

Regardless of gender, anorexia is a dangerous disease. Young men with eating disorders are often high achievers just as young women. And just as young women, these men have a low self image. In contrast to women, young men who want to lose weight also want to build muscles for the perfect body and become increasingly motivated to word out.

A 2007 study by Harvard University found that male eating disorders are more prevalent than previously thought. Actors Dennis Quaid and Billy Bob Thornton both admitted to having anorexia and singer Elton John admitted to having bulimia. Quaid had to lose weight to play a character in a movie and went from 180 to 138 pounds. He became obsessed with counting calories and exercising. The fact that men in prominent positions are now openly admitting to having an eating problem is a step in the right direction because other men or families may recognize that they have a similar problem.

The Harvard study found that nearly 40 percent of binge eaters are men and that of the 11 million Americans suffering from anorexia and bulimia, 25 percent of them are men. Some believe that figure for men is actually higher again because men are less likely to ask for treatment. There's a certain stigma to a guy saying he has an eating disorder which is more often thought of as a girl's disease.

Recognizing the symptoms of eating problems is critical because long term symptoms of excessive weight loss can lead to life-threatening situations. Excessive exercising, taking laxatives or diuretics, preoccupation with counting calories are all signs for early intervention. The key is to get help for yourself or someone you care about who may be suffering from an eating disorder.

I welcome your comments and am open to starting a dialogue.It's so easy for men to hide their bodies in a suit. I'm going to view thin men differently.

To your good health,

Ruthan Brodsky

EAting Disorders and the Psychological Facators of Anorexia

The brain research tells us that eating disorders don't just play havoc with the developing brains of teen agers, they explain that even when a person is well past her twenties, starvation, chronic dieting and binge eating and purging can damage brain wiring and upset the chemical processes that take place in the brain. Eating disorders can impair the very thinking part of the brain that is needed to make healthy choices.

One of the psychological factors usually attributed to people with eating disorders is that they are usually perfectionists. They have unrealistic expectations not only of themselves but of others. In spite of all their achievements they feel inadequate and see themselves as very mediocre or as a failure.

Causes of Anorexia

I'm convinced there are multiple causes of anorexia – psychological, biological, even environmental causes. I know my sister exhibited every one they ever wrote about!

Here are some of the biological causes that research claims may cause eating disorders.

One study (Archives of General Psychiatry 2006; 63:305-312) claims that genetic factors account for more than half the risk of developing anorexia nervosa. We assume that, at least in part, we owe our personality and temperament to our genes. It also appears that some personality types, such as obsessive compulsive, are more vulnerable to eating disorders than others. Research also points out that genetic factors predispose some people to anxiety and perfectionism. These people also have more than there share of eating disorders.

In fact, people with a mother or sister who has anorexia nervosa are 12 times more likely than others with no family history of that disorder, to develop it.

Another piece of research (Journal of Biological Psychiatry; July 2005.) suggests that women who develop anorexia nervosa have excess activity in the brain's dopamine receptors which regulate pleasure. This explains why many feel driven to lose weight but don't feel good about it.

The fact that I think is particularly critical is that once a person starts to starve herself, that behavior in itself alters her brain chemistry and prolongs the disorder. Not eating enough can activate brain chemicals that produce feelings of euphoria negating any anxiety and depression. One theory is that people with eating disorders are using food to self-medicate painful feelings.

I have never thought about that possibility. Any comments?

To your best health.

Ruthan Brodsky

P.S. I am starting to host teleseminars and radio programs on staying healthy as you age. Let me know if you're interested and I'll forward the information about the calls back to you.

Understanding Themselves Chapter 21

What I've learned in my research about eating disorders is that a major part of the treatment is helping patients to better understand themselves and their lives and the struggles that have shaped them into who they are today. It is important not only discovering what were the life events that shaped the patient's eating disorder but also for recognizing and appreciating their future personal growth.

The process is important because it allows the patient to gain the pride and sense of acceptance that comes from understanding that they have lived a worth while life. When a patient finds meaning in her personal history it usually provides a direction for understanding the illness and ways to accept the changes that take place as she ages.

This is the last entrée I have for Sydne's journal. It is very positive but it was written months ago.

"May compassion for yourself always be the guiding force as you continue on your path of health, happiness, and fulfillment. You so deserve it."

You know, she is right! I do deserve it and so do so many others out there. I took some time one day and asked a woman I saw daily on the same street corner begging for money if she as hungry and she was, so I took her across the street to a Subway and got her something to eat and drink.

As we were sitting there I asked her if she would tell me how she had gotten to the point she is at today. She had looked at me as if I were asking a child what they wanted from a toy store.

She told me no one has ever asked her that before. People just assumed she was a drunk or druggy when, in fact, she never drank or did drugs in her life. I had only spent 30-45 minutes with her that day, but to her that was winning the lottery in so many ways. Someone care about her that day, someone asked about her and didn't show judgment or criticize her for the decisions she made. During my recovery I was given that and I want to continue to show that towards those who so deserve it.

Sydne is having her ups and downs this year and hanging in, working to keep her life together. Her life is much like ours… it is a struggle.

To your good health.

Ruthan Brodsky