Men and Eating Disorders

Most of us think of eating disorders as a condition that is more common among young women than any other part of the population. But men can also develop eating disorders; in fact, these types of conditions appear to be on the rise among the male population. Research studies indicated that roughly ten percent of those affected by anorexia are men. Many researchers believe that many men with eating disorders go undiagnosed, so these statistics may be even higher. Why is this so? Why have women remained the focus of almost all investigations of eating disorders?

According to recent research, part of the problem is that doctors often fail to diagnose men with eating disorders simply because they do not recognize the symptoms of these disorders. Even if men demonstrate the all the typical characteristics of anorexia nervosa, bulimia, or binge eating disorders, they are still less likely to be diagnosed than a woman who manifests identical symptoms. Instead, men with these symptoms are often diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or other psychological conditions that tend to affect the appetite. Many doctors simply fail to think of eating disorders as conditions that can affect men in much the same way that they affect women.

The problem appears to lie in the fact that there is still little recognition or knowledge about males with eating disorders. Although most researchers now agree that there exist a significant percentage of men who suffer from eating disorders, they are not very visible. Males with eating disorders are simply not discussed, and because it has primarily been viewed as a 'female problem', there is now a strong social stigma attached to notion of male eating disorders. This problem of little visibility for male eating disorders also has to do with the notion that male beauty is not defined by lean muscle mass, but by definition and muscle bulge. Men who suffer from eating disorders may be reluctant to face their condition in light of these social ideals.

Another social and cultural aspect of this problem is that men are not encouraged to discuss and share their feelings in the way women are. Women have developed strong social networks and outlets for discussing their personal problems, while men are still encouraged to keep their problems and anxieties private. For many men, it may feel socially unacceptable to discuss their problems related to their weight, body image, or relationship with food. Instead, they feel pressured to deal with these anxieties on their own.

Another reason why men with eating disorders are not very visible in our culture is that there are not many male occupations that demand a low body weight. For instance, women with eating disorders are often linked to body conscious professions such as dancing and modeling. However, current research has found a link between the instance of eating disorders in males and the pressures faced by professional athletes. It appears that men in these types of body conscious professions may face similar pressures as those faced by women.