Men and Eating Disorders

Eating disorders in men are more common than people think. Unfortunately, they often go undiagnosed for many years if diagnosed at all. The reasons for this vary from professionals in the field being uninformed about signs of eating disorders in males, to men being resistant to seek help due to the perception that eating disorders are a “female” problem. The fact is that many men suffer with eating disorders yet we as a society tend to normalize the behavior and it is never addressed as an issue. Women who are compulsive or binge eaters are much more likely to acknowledge they eat excessively for emotional reasons where as men tend to be regarded as having a “healthy appetite”. Further, men who spend hours at the gym each day are less likely to be viewed with an exercise addiction then women and the physical signs of danger may be less apparent. Where women may lose their period when engaging in eating disorder behaviors, men do not have such a tell tale sign.

Some warning signs your male clients may have eating disorders:

• A pre-occupation with fad diets or restricting food intake
• Excessive use of protein and dietary supplements
• Rituals around food
• A pre-occupation with body building, weight lifting, working out
• Frequent injuries from exercise routine
• Difficulty eating with or in front of others
• Eating in secret or lying about eating patterns
• Pre-occupation with food
• Disgust with body shape or size
• Distorted body image
• Intense fear of gaining weight
• Depression
• Social Isolation
• Lack of physical activity
• Rigid “all or nothing” thinking patterns
• Decreased interest in sex or anxiety around being seen without clothing
• Perfectionism
• Low self esteem-self worth is based on physical appearance
• Difficulty thinking or concentrating
• Irritability
• Low or excessive body weight
• Lack of energy, feeling tired
• Muscle weakness
• Lowered body temperature, pulse rate and blood pressure
• Tingling in hands and feet
• Use of stimulants and amphetamines

Of course men can suffer from any of the above symptoms and not have an eating disorder. However, as clinicians if we become more aware of the warning signs and train ourselves to ask the questions, we may find that we can be of an even better help in the healing process of our clients.

For help finding treatment programs and professionals that treat males with eating disorders, do not hesitate to call us at Treatment Coordination and Advocacy 888-301-9425 or www.treatmentcoordination.net. Although the resources are fewer for men then for women, help is out there.

Amy Lashway-Cisneros, MA, LPC, NCC