Men Have Eating Disorders Too
Posted on: July 1st, 2014
Knowledge about eating disorders has reached more people in recent years, however, unfortunately, large numbers of people are still uninformed about these disorders, and that can have serious consequences. To make matters worse, it’s not just the general public that needs an education on the subject, it’s medical practitioners as well.
One fundamental truth that is widely misunderstood is that both men and women suffer from eating disorders. Most people think these disorders are female-specific, but according to Addiction Treatment Magazine, “…men account for one in four cases…” and symptoms “…are just as severe for men as for women”.
While this lack of understanding may seem like a minor problem, it isn’t. Many men that develop hallmark symptoms of eating disorders have no clue they’re in the grips of a potentially life-threatening disorder. Case in point – Eric, a 20-year-old featured in a recent ABC News piece. He was battling an eating disorder most of his life, but had no idea. At a very young age he didn’t want to eat “dead animals” and refused to eat anything except bread, rice and milk. He described ignoring or trying to suppress hunger pains, and holidays like Thanksgiving were a great source of anxiety because he dreaded eating big meals. When he did eventually seek medical help, his doctor failed to recognize obvious eating disorder symptoms and instead advised that he might be suffering from a heart problem! Many months later he was properly diagnosed, but the treatment center they sent him to was not the right fit because, like so many eating disorder treatment centers, its focus was specific to teenage girls. Unfortunately, Eric is still suffering with his disorder and at age 20 weighs 5 pounds less than he did in sixth grade.
Research supports that the sooner people are treated for eating disorders the better their chance of a speedy recovery. If Eric’s parents had a basic understanding of eating disorders and sought treatment from a knowledgeable physician it’s likely he would have healed his relationship with food and had a healthy childhood and early adulthood. Instead, a lack of knowledge perpetuated his suffering.
It’s clear that we need a widespread awareness-raising discussion about eating disorders. We need to spread the word that these are gender-neutral illnesses and that early detection and treatment are essential – and it would
be hugely beneficial if treatment centers tailored their approach to meet the needs of boys and men.
If you suspect someone you know has an eating disorder, please treat it with a sense of urgency and contact Maureen Kritzer-Lange Psychotherapy at info@maureenkritzerlange.com, or phone (973) 313-1691.
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