Eating disorders (EDs) are often thought to only affect females; however, the prevalence of EDs in males is on the rise. Statistics from the National Eating Disorders Association report that the lifetime binge eating disorder (BED) prevalence is 2% for males, reported to only be 1.5% lower than that of females. The number of males living with eating disorders is likely higher than what is reported, because males may be far less likely to disclose their disorder or access eating disorder treatment.
The stigma around EDs in males is caused by the stereotype that only females live with EDs. This may lead to feelings of shame and isolation among men living with EDs and delay them from seeking help and therefore treatment.
It is important to raise awareness of the stigma surrounding males living with eating disorders and normalize a variety of body sizes regardless of gender. Males living with bulimia nervosa (BN) may compulsively exercise and are less likely to purge through self-induced vomiting or the use of laxatives. Anorexia nervosa (AN) is the eating disorder least frequently seen in male populations. Regardless of the type of eating disorder that an individual is living with, it is important to remember that no eating disorder should be overlooked.
Risk Factors for EDs in Males Include:
Body Dissatisfaction
Body dissatisfaction (BD) is defined as the difference between someone’s current body image and their ideal body image. Like females, males are also constantly faced with society’s views on what they should look like. We must take a stand against how bodies, male or female, are portrayed in the media.
Muscle Dysmorphia
Muscle dysmorphia (MD) is defined as the preoccupation that one’s body is not lean or muscular enough. MD is particularly prevalent in males, who often desire high levels of muscle and low body fat. This is often unattainable and it, combined with other factors, can lead to EDs.
Sociocultural Influences
As mentioned previously, society’s view of the ‘ideal body’ and socially prescribed level of body perfectionism can negatively influence MD, BD, and as a result, lead to EDs. As a society, we should advocate for body positivity in the media and in our personal lives.
Other Psychiatric/Psychological Predispositions
Mental health conditions that can increase the male risk for developing EDs include depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and specific mood disorders.
In the past, it was thought that it was uncommon for males to live with an eating disorder. However, we now know this is and was untrue. Eating disorders are an emerging male health issue, and an eating disorder diagnosis does not define someone’s masculinity.
EDs and Other Genders
Sexual and gender minorities are also susceptible to eating disorders. Not only do they face the same sociocultural pressures as other gender identities, these pressures are also compounded with gender dysphoria. Gender dysmorphia is the discomfort someone feels when their gender identity and gender assigned at birth are misaligned.
Transgender individuals may experience increased body dissatisfaction and engage in weight manipulating behaviours for gender-affirming purposes. It’s important to reduce the stigma around eating disorders in these folks as well, as this creates barriers to accessing care which ultimately delays eating disorder treatment.
We should not presume that males cannot live with or be at risk of developing EDs. Instead, we should advocate for body positivity and ED treatments for folks of all sizes and all genders. Eating disorders affect folks of all races, sizes, genders, and sexualities. Reducing the stigma around EDs for all individuals can help folks get access to treatment sooner, leading to better outcomes in ED recovery.
How Change Creates Change Can Help
If you suspect your son (or child) is living with an eating disorder, you can book a free 15-minute consultation call with us. During the call, we will discuss how we can help your son and your family navigate eating disorder recovery together.
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