Males with Eating Disorders: Overlooked and Misunderstood

In the past, Eating Disorders were considered to be only a problem for young women. We now understand that eating disorders effect males and females of all ages. Men are seeking treatment for eating disorders in increasing numbers. Current estimates are that several million men in the U.S. struggle with some form of serious eating disorder. Due to misconceptions, many physicians are unaware of the signs of eating disorders in men and miss the diagnosis. Although anorexia nervosa is less prevalent in men, males suffer with the same symptoms including self-starvation, an excessive fear of becoming fat and compulsive living patterns. Boys with anorexia nervosa are particularly vulnerable to bone loss and growth retardation during their teenage years. Bulimia Nervosa and body image disturbances occur much more frequently in men than previously understood. Binge eating disorder, muscle dysmorphia and exercise addiction occur about as frequently in men as in women. Eating disorders in males, as in females are associated with underlying stress, transitions, perfectionism, depression, or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

Although the core symptoms of eating disorders are similar in men and women, the specific symptoms may present differently. Body dissatisfaction is driven by cultural ideals, which are different for men and women. The culturally defined ideal body type for men is to have a defined muscular body shape with broad shoulders. Young men are becoming focused on muscular definition, even when not associated with fitness. Thus, men with eating disorders who want to have bigger muscles may engage in excessive weight training, nutritional supplementation and steroid abuse. Increasingly, our culture emphasizes weight control by exercise, especially for males. Males with eating disorders may have a strong desire to achieve a very lean body weight, but weight loss can also be driven by health concerns or an attempt to enhance athletic performance or physical appearance.

Treatment for Males with Eating Disorder

Many intensive treatments for those struggling with eating disorders have been designed with women in mind. Boys and men in groups with only women may feel a mismatch with their experience and that of other group members. In extreme circumstances, men may not be able to obtain suitable treatment because of these differences. If a higher level of care is recommended, your Webster Wellness team can follow treatment at our affiliated programs at McCallum Place Treatment Center. McCallum Place can accommodate adolescent boys and men. For those out of state, lodging with transportation can be arranged at a discount with nearby Homewood Suites Hotel.

Special Risk Factors in Males With Eating Disorders

There are a number of risk factors that contribute to the development of eating disorders in men. These can include a societal focus on the “ideal” body shape, size, and physical appearance. Or, a number of common athletic activities and occupations can put men at increased risk by leading to an imbalance in energy and exercise or an increased focus on body weight. These activities include:

• Body Building
• Wrestling
• Dancing
• Ice Skating
• Swimming
• Running
• Rowing
• Gymnastics
• Jockeying

Other contributing factors that can lead to eating disorders or unhealthy weight control problems in men include negative family patterns such as parents stressing extreme or unhealthy levels of fitness and athleticism and when coupled with media influences, the pressure to be trim and fit increases. Traumatic events such as abuse can also lead to the development of male eating disorders.

Eating Disorder Treatment for Males in Saint Louis

At Webster Wellness Professionals, we offer treatment designed with the needs of men in mind. The basics of treatment remain the same whether the individual is male or female: assessment and management of medical consequences of the unhealthy behavior, establish and follow an adequate meal plan, address the psychological issues that sustain the eating disorder, rule out any co-occurring mood disorders, evaluate co-morbid conditions and look at the safety and possible use of medication . Working with a professional who has experience and understands the male variants of an eating disorder can also be uniquely beneficial.

One of the most useful experiences is to learn from others who are confronting the same challenges, i.e. other men who have eating and weight concerns. Realizing that there are others with the same issues and worries can be therapeutic. At Webster Wellness Professionals, our Clinical Director, Randall C. Flanery, Ph.D., has worked with males with eating and weight concerns for over 25 years. He is also the facilitator of a weekly psychotherapy group for males with eating disorders. Furthermore, we have experienced psychiatrists and family medicine MDs who have many years experience treating eating disorders in boys and men.

Ask us about our weekly Men’s Disordered Eating Therapy Group.