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
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