What are Eating Disorders in Men?
It has been a long misunderstood premise that only women suffer from eating disorders. This could not be more false. While it is true that the majority of sufferers are, indeed, female it is also true that a certain percentage of men also develop eating disorders. A high number of those men are never exposed because of the misconception that men do not fall victim to such things as anorexia and bulimia.
The reasons for eating disorders in men are basically the same as for women. They suffer from self esteem issues that make them negatively adjust their eating habits. These adjustments are seen as improving their self image when all it is doing is endangering their lives. It is more difficult for men to seek treatment for eating disorders due to feeling embarrassed and the fact that not many support groups for men exist.
Such careers as models, jockeys, racing, wrestlers, dancers, and runners may focus too strongly on maintaining a low weight and become prone to contracting eating disorders. These are highly competitive professions and can become overwhelming with the pressure to be on top. The social image attached to these careers causes the men involved in them to eat just enough to keep them going. If this turns into an obsession, these men may find themselves victims of eating disorders.
There are other addictions and disorders that often accompany eating disorders when men develop them. These are things such as alcoholism, substance abuse, sexual anxiety, ADHD, and hurting themselves. Many psychological disorders also lend themselves to men with eating disorders. These include irritation, depression, trauma, restlessness, obsession, stress, and other types of personality disorders.
In the number of males that suffer from eating disorders it has been discovered that 20 percent suffer from binge eating, 14 percent are bulimic, and 3 percent of these men diet too often. Men who need help in recovering from eating disorders must understand that they are not alone and should not feel embarrassed to seek help before things become too serious.
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