Males and Eating Disorders
Introduction Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions characterized by unhealthy relationships with food and body image. These disorders, which include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, can have severe physical and psychological consequences. While traditionally perceived as conditions affecting primarily females, a growing body of evidence highlights the prevalence of eating disorders […]
Eating disorders are a group of conditions characterized by abnormal eating habits that can lead to serious health problems. The most common types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by a distorted body image and a severe restriction of food intake.
Risk factors for eating disorders include a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some of the key risk factors include: Body image distortion: Individuals who have a distorted body image, or an unrealistic view of their body shape and weight, are at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder. Societal pressure to conform
The following report was compiled by: Tom Shiltz, MS CADCIII, Rogers Memorial Hospital, Oconomowoc, WI. Prevalence of Eating Disorders Among Males Approximately 10% of eating disordered individuals coming to the attention of mental health professionals are male (Wolf, 1991; Fairburn & Beglin, 1990). There is a broad consensus, however, that eating disorders in males are
Bulimia nervosa is a severe, life-threatening disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting or other purging methods (e.g., laxatives, diuretics, excessive exercise, fasting) to prevent weight gain. An individual struggling with bulimia is intensely afraid of gaining weight and exhibits persistent dissatisfaction with his body and appearance, as well as
The following article was written by Alicia Potter, and originally appeared in The Boston Phoenix, (1996). In pursuit of a new beauty ideal, American men are exercising themselves to death. As society demands a fitter body, frowning on every pinch of fat, clinicians suspect an increasing number of men are crossing the line into exercise addiction.
I think a member of my family has an eating disorder, what should I do? Be direct – tell the person why you are worried and be specific Don’t make promises you cant keep Seek professional help for the person Learn as much as you can about eating disorders Ask them what it is like
One counsellor said to me, “You’re at the centre of your own healing process. I’m just on of your tools.”. I really liked that. That’s the way healing should be. Saphyre There are many types of therapeutic tools. There’s talk therapy – where you talk about your experiences and express your feelings. There are counsellors
oin a support group – by sharing experiences within a group you can learn new ways of coping Read – study the subject. We can suggest books that you might find helpful Don’t focus on food, talk about other things Don’t put the blame on the sufferer – this only makes things worse Use “I”
Should I talk to a therapist or doctor? What will the doctor do? What will the therapist do? What’s the difference between a counsellor, therapist, psychologist and psychotherapist? Should I talk to a therapist or doctor? You can start with either but at some stage you should talk to both. While an eating disorder is