Men must admit to eating disorders
The Priory Group, which has 15 specialist units to treat eating disorders in both adults and children, is calling for the taboo on discussing male eating disorders to be lifted.
Although eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating usually are attributed to women, men are being diagnosed in greater numbers and the Priory hospitals treating eating disorders are seeing a rise in men seeking treatment.
Latest figures from the NHS Information Centre show that around 700,000 men are registered with eating disorders. Actors Dennis Quaid and Billy Bob Thornton have both acknowledged having anorexia, and singer Elton John and politician John Prescott have admitted to having bulimia.
Priory medical professionals believe that many men have not sought treatment out of shame or a feeling that anorexia, bulimia and compulsive eating are women's disorders.
Dr. Dedman from the Priory Hospital Bristol said: "Eating disorders are more prominent in women, but male eating disorders are more common than many think.
"Men are susceptible to the cultural and media demands for perfect bodies just as women are. These demands take different forms for men. Eating disorders in boys can begin in their desire to be competitive. Adolescent boys dealing with changes in their bodies are often also beginning to have more interest in sports.
"In some cases, sports create unique problems. Athletic competition may be a more common trigger for eating disorders in men, but underlying issues that fuel the development of eating disorders in men are similar to those in women. Men who develop eating disorders often have low self-esteem and may suffer from depression, abusive histories, demanding families, or other factors.
"We generally recognise eating disorders as problems that only women have. Men who experience problems may feel too ashamed to get the help they need.
"The sense that eating disorders are not for the "masculine" plays out in other ways as well. Many men associate eating disorders in males with being gay.
"Men still find it incredibly difficult to discuss an eating disorder with their family or peers. Unlike alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse, which have gained acceptance as being "normal" and treatable, eating disorders remain foreign to many. A vital task for the professional community is to normalize these conditions, stimulate discussion and encourage men to seek help."
More related news »