Comprehending Eating Disorders in Males: Insight into Anorexia in Men and Boys
Anorexia nervosa is a mental health condition characterized by adopting disordered eating habits, such as food restriction, intense fear and fixation about weight gain, distorted body image, and preoccupation with feeling constantly overweight. This condition can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, personality, or sexual orientation.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) recognizes some classic diagnostic features of anorexia nervosa. These include restriction of energy intake that leads to a significantly low body weight, intense fear about weight gain, persistent behavior that interferes with weight gain, feeling low self-worth or disturbance related to body weight or shape, lack of awareness or recognition regarding the seriousness of low body weight.
In men, anorexia nervosa may present differently than in women. For instance, a man with anorexia may strive to be thin while also appearing strong, and this may involve excessive exercise, taking supplements, using steroids, and trying diet fads designed to enhance muscle and cut fat.
Warning signs of male anorexia can include frequent bathroom visits after or during a meal, hyper-focus on working out, binge eating, dressing in layers, denying being hungry, food avoidance, strict dietary rules or habits, fixating on nutritional information or calorie count, constant weighing, avoiding social gatherings where food is served, stress or anxiety when a workout gets missed, excessive preoccupation with bodybuilding or physique development, statements about being unhappy with weight or body image, and the appearance of food rituals, such as arranging food in a certain way.
However, it's important to note that the signs of male anorexia may not be easily recognized due to the warning sign of "looking thin" being one of the last to be noticed. This is especially true in sports with a heavy focus on weight, such as wrestling, running, swimming, bodybuilding, mixed martial arts, rowing, gymnastics, dancing, where unhealthy weight loss habits may be encouraged.
In some circles, the ideal gay male body may be expected to be more muscular and lean, which may further encourage disordered eating habits among gay and bisexual men. Gay and bisexual men may be more likely to try to control weight by fasting, vomiting, using laxatives, or using diet pills.
Men living with eating disorders may be less likely to seek treatment due to stigma. It's crucial to remember that seeking help from a doctor and therapist is essential. Treatment options for anorexia can include medical treatment, sometimes in a facility, therapy, and medications in some cases.
Treatment approaches for male anorexia nervosa include enhanced cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-E) focusing on normalizing eating behavior and weight gain, focal psychodynamic therapy (FPT) addressing underlying causes and relationship patterns, and the Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment (MANTRA) targeting multiple illness-maintaining factors simultaneously. Psychotherapeutic interventions are central, sometimes supported by medications, residential treatment, and long-term aftercare to prevent relapse.
If you feel overwhelmed or don't know where to start, Psych Central's guide to finding a therapist can help. For more information about male anorexia, you can contact the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. If you need immediate help, you can speak with a trained mental health representative by calling the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
Remember, it's important to prioritise your health and seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder.
