Men's eating disorders: Varieties, signs, and seeking assistance
Eating disorders are often associated with females, but they can also affect men, and it's essential to raise awareness about this lesser-known aspect. Approximately 10 million males in the United States will experience an eating disorder [1], and athletes are at a higher risk due to the pressure to maintain specific body shapes or weights [4].
Common Eating Disorders in Men
Three common eating disorders in men are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. While these disorders share some symptoms with their female counterparts, they also exhibit distinct patterns and symptoms in males [2].
Anorexia Nervosa in Men
Characterized by severely restricting calories and aiming for rapid weight loss or dangerously low body weight, anorexia nervosa in men can lead to a host of physical and emotional issues. Symptoms include unhealthy low body weight relative to height and body type, intense fear of gaining weight or being overweight, obsession with bodybuilding, weightlifting, or muscle toning, and depression, social isolation, decreased sexual interest, and a perfectionistic personality [1][2][5].
Bulimia Nervosa in Men
Bulimia nervosa in men involves episodes of binge eating, often in secret, followed by compensatory behaviors like vomiting or laxative use. Symptoms include consuming large quantities of food quickly, then purging, frequent dieting and fasting after binging episodes, and feelings of worthlessness, depression, and difficulty expressing emotions [1][2][3].
Binge-Eating Disorder
Binge-eating disorder is characterized by eating unusually large amounts of food with a sense of loss of control. Unlike bulimia, it does not include purging or compensatory behaviors [3].
General Symptoms to Watch For in Men
Recognizing the symptoms of eating disorders in men is crucial for timely intervention. Some general symptoms to watch for include extreme or rapid weight loss, swelling, dry skin, hair thinning or loss, growth of fine hair, dental erosion, fatigue, dizziness, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal problems [1][2][3][4][5]. Behavioral signs may include excessive exercise, obsession with calories and body image, secretive eating habits, frequent bathroom trips post meals, skipping meals, and lying about food intake. Psychological symptoms include depression, anxiety, perfectionism, social withdrawal, mood swings, low self-esteem, fear of gaining weight, and distorted body image [1][2][3][4][5].
Men, especially athletes or those involved in sports demanding specific body shapes or weights, may also show additional signs such as sudden weight changes, irritability, decreased motivation, and performance decline [4].
The Need for a Gender-Sensitive Approach
The current clinical assessments for eating disorders use language geared toward females, which can make it challenging for men to seek help. Recognizing this, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) emphasizes the need for a gender-sensitive approach during the treatment of eating disorders, including a consideration of biological and cultural factors [6].
Seeking Help and Support
If someone experiences or exhibits signs of an eating disorder, it is important to seek help right away. Early treatment can significantly decrease health complications and improve the chance of a successful recovery [1][2][3]. Young men often have body image concerns about having masculine-looking muscles, and it's essential to address these concerns to encourage help-seeking behavior.
Supporting a loved one with an eating disorder is challenging but essential for their recovery. Tips include avoiding judgment, expressing concern, being patient, and researching about eating disorders and their treatment options [6].
Changing the Stereotype
Understanding that eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of gender, and getting affected people the help they need is crucial for changing the stereotype that eating disorders only affect females. Amenorrhea, the lack of menstruation, is a diagnostic criterion for having an eating disorder that is not applicable to males.
Recent statistics reporting male eating disorders are likely a gross underestimation of the problem. Muscle dysmorphia (MD) is a condition that shares many similarities with eating disorders and can cause individuals to participate in eating disorder behaviors [6].
[1] National Eating Disorders Association. (2021). Eating Disorders in Men. Retrieved from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-gender/men
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Eating Disorders in Men. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/in-depth/eating-disorders-in-men/art-20048977
[3] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
[4] International Olympic Committee. (2018). IOC Consensus Statement on the Prevention and Treatment of Eating Disorders in Elite Athletes. Retrieved from https://www.olympic.org/Documents/olympic_org/sites/olympicorg/files/documents/commission-on-sport-and-the-olympics/2018/09/IOC_Consensus_Statement_on_the_Prevention_and_Treatment_of_Eating_Disorders_in_Elite_Athletes.pdf
[5] National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Eating Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders/index.shtml
[6] National Eating Disorders Association. (2021). Supporting a Loved One. Retrieved from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/get-involved/support-a-loved-one
