Since
anorexia was first defined as a medical problem in 1873, eating disorders were
believed to effect mainly, if not only, women. In fact, some experts used to
think that there were no male anorectics. The vast majority of individuals
diagnosed with anorexia, over 90 percent, are females. However, the number of
males with anorexia and bulimia, the other major eating disorder, is
increasing and eating disorders among boys are often overlooked and untreated.
Anorexia is defined as a disorder of self- starvation, fear of being fat, and
distorted body image. Bulimia involves binge eating, feelings of lack of
control over eating, and self-induced vomiting or use of laxatives or
diuretics to get rid of the food.
The effects of untreated eating disorders for young men are significant. The
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders reports that
while there are 7 million females in the United States who have anorexia or
bulimia there are also 1 million males with the disorders. These young men
need understanding, support, and treatment to combat their illnesses.
Unfortunately,
family members, friends, and teammates don't look for signs of anorexia in
their sons, brothers, or male classmates. Also, male anorexics have reported
they go to greater lengths than their female counterparts to hide or conceal
their illness because of the stereotype that it is not a "manly" disorder.
Several
factors play a role in influencing the development of eating disorders in
young men. Many of these factors are similar for young women. These factors
include societal pressures, self-esteem and personality factors, and family
issues.
Societal
Pressures. Society, in the form of music videos, media stars, magazine ads,
and athletic champions, sends daily messages to boys and girls about what
equals attractiveness, success, and happiness. While the impact on girls,
especially at adolescence and puberty, has been known to be quite dramatic,
the impact these messages have on boys has been underestimated. Boys too, are
concerned with being attractive, popular, and accepted. More boys also place a
high demand on athletic ability and view their bodies in terms of performance
- what it can do. This added pressure to "be like Mike" can lead to
an increased body focus, poorer body image, and drastic efforts to alter the
body's shape, size, and capabilities. These pressures on boys are especially
true in sports that place an emphasis on weight and/or appearance such
wrestling, swimming and diving, and track.
Self-Esteem
and Personality. Societal pressures of body shape and athletic ideals alone
won't lead to an eating disorder. The at-risk boy being influenced by these
pressures also struggles with self-doubt, low self-esteem, and possibly,
depression. However, these boys will often try to mask or hide these internal
struggles through outward efforts at high achievement or
"perfectionism." They are usually quite obedient, good students, and
successful athletes. They may view their efforts toward perfectionism as ways
to gain love, acceptance, and happiness, along with allowing them to avoid
inner struggles and personal beliefs they are "no good."
Family
Factors. Family factors do not cause eating disorders, but can contribute to
their development or severity. These difficulties may include illness in the
family, financial pressures, marital strife, or sibling rivalries. A boy may
see these issues as "out of his control" and come to view
restricting his eating as something he can control, in addition to meeting
society and sport's ideal of the "perfect body." Families that avoid
conflict, do not talk about tough issues, and do not express emotions can
heighten a young anorexic's struggles.
What
should you do if you suspect a boy in your family, class, or community has an
eating disorder? Signs of anorexia include very limited food intake, low body
weight, excessive exercise, and use of laxatives. Bulimic symptoms include
overeating, self- induced vomiting, and weight fluctuations. Remember that the
boy will usually try to conceal his disorder. If you have concerns, the first
important step to take is to talk to the boy about them. Be direct, not
lecturing, and supportive. Family members should encourage open communication
about the illness. Successful
treatment for eating disorders is available and may involve professional help
in the form of individual, family, and/or group psychotherapy, medication such
as antidepressants, nutritional education and hospitalization in severe cases.
Professional counseling may
help to address underlying factors such as self-esteem, body image, and
perfectionism. If diagnosed
and treated early, young men with eating disorders can make significant
strides toward recovery including increased self-esteem, improved body image,
and healthier eating habits.
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