Eating Disorders In Men — The Underserved Minority
Men with eating disorders face a serious lack of treatment options.
When diagnosing eating disorders, doctors usually ask about menstruation and the body image that’s characteristic of women with eating disorders.
There’s been little research done on men with anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating problems.
But a study by Harvard researchers may be the first step toward changing this.
The Numbers Are Startling
As published in February in the journal, Biological Psychiatry, the study revealed that in the U.S., 25% of anorexia and bulimia patients and 40% of binge eaters are men.
But unlike women who obsess over losing weight, men usually focus on reducing their body fat while building chiseled muscles. They may binge and purge plus obsessively exercise.
Boys are usually overweight and older than girls when they develop eating disorders. Many times, there’s a family history of the problem. Boys may also be depressed or abusing alcohol or drugs.
But eating disorders often go unrecognized in young men because they claim to be “getting in shape.” Instead of eating large amounts of junk food, they now seem to be “eating healthy.”
The Isolation Factor
Even when men or boys recognize the problem, they often have no one to talk to. They may be embarrassed to admit they have a “woman’s disease.”
Worst of all, men have few specific treatment options.
Without any research to guide them, experts use the same type of individualized treatment for men as for women.
Doctors may prescribe antidepressants, psychotherapy, and family therapy. It’s just assumed that what’s most effective for women will also work for men.
But that’s for one-on-one care.
If a man needs to be treated in a group setting, he’s often the only male there. Which just increases his isolation because men have different issues than women.
Even in a group, a man may have no one who understands what he’s going through.
Worse yet, many treatment centers only accept females.
Where To Get Treatment
So what if you or someone you know is a male with an eating disorder? What should you do?
First, you should always consult your personal physician. Your doctor should be able to refer you to the specialists you need.
But you may want to discuss with your doctor some of the eating-disorder centers that have specific programs for men.
Rogers Memorial Hospital in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, is one of the best known. They specialize in treating the compulsive exercise habits, the male body-image differences, and the emotional denial of men with eating disorders.
The University of Iowa, River Oaks Hospital in New Orleans, and the Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt in Baltimore also have programs for men.
You may also be able to find more program options at the National Eating Disorders Association website at nationaleatingdisorders.org.
But if you know or even suspect that you or a loved one has an eating disorder, consult your physician first. You need professional medical guidance to find the right treatment plan for you.
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