Eating disorders and men

Contrary to popular belief, eating disorders do not affect women alone. About 10 percent of people who seek treatment for eating disorders are men. It is believed that men are less likely to seek treatment for eating disorders than women, however. Eating disorders are often viewed as a feminine problem, and men are less likely to consider the characteristic behavior of eating disorders as problematic. For example, what a woman may consider binge eating would likely be socially acceptable for a man. Also, many treatment programs for eating disorders are geared primarily or exclusively toward women.

Bulimia (a type of eating disorder in which binge eating and inappropriate methods are used to prevent weight gain) seems to be the most common form of eating disorders for men -- particularly purging through physical exercise. A perceived lack of control related to rapidly changing gender roles, cultural norms and economic situation (such as layoffs or questionable job security as compared to older generations) may contribute to eating disorders in men. A cultural emphasis on physical appearance may play a role, as well as a changing cultural aesthetic valuing a lean, muscular build for men as reflected in fashion advertising and the popular media.

Men who are involved in occupations or activities that value appearance or thinness -- such as certain sports, including gymnastics, marathon running, jockeying, bodybuilding, male modeling and the performing arts, including dancing, singing and acting -- tend to be at higher risk for developing eating disorders.