Strategies for Prevention and Early Intervention of Male Eating Disorders

Contributor: Margot Rittenhouse, M.S., writer for Eating Disorder Hope.

Despite the belief that eating disorders are a “woman’s illness,” male eating disorders are just as prevalent. In fact, a 1694 article written by Richard Morton detailed two clients suffering from what we now refer to as “anorexia nervosa” – one female and one male [1]. Of the 20 million Americans struggling with an eating disorder, 10 million of those are men [2].

Yet, research and advocacy focus more on the female experience of these illnesses. It is important to gain knowledge on each demographics’ unique experience of eating disorders and consider prevention and early intervention techniques unique to their situation.

Prevention

Change the Conversation

 
One of the most valuable weapons we have to combat eating disorders is our words. Conversations focused on body image, body shaming, self-esteem, cultural ideas of perfection, and positive and negative relationships with food all serve to create an environment wherein we de-stigmatize eating disorders, question the cultural ideal, and promote body positivity and healthy relationships with food. These conversations are occurring more often but need to be more inclusive.

Despite the fact that men represent about 8 percent of those with anorexia, 15 percent of those with bulimia, and 20 percent of those with binge-eating disorder [3], almost all books on eating disorders have a female bias [4]. Information on male eating disorders is under-researched or largely unknown, making it difficult for those suffering to seek out knowledge.

In addition, the predominance of articles with female bias perpetuates the belief that eating disorders are “women’s illnesses” and that men with eating disorders are outliers. Creating a demand for research and information on male eating disorders and starting an inclusive dialogue surrounding eating disorders is instrumental to learning more about prevention techniques and de-stigmatizing men experiencing eating disorders.

Listen as Much as You Talk

 
In addition to talking about male eating disorders, it is equally important to listen. Approach conversations related to body image, nutrition, and self-esteem with non-judgment and sincerity. Men who struggle with eating disorders often experience a double stigma for being “feminine” and “weak.”

Therefore, many struggling men do not speak up for fear that they won’t be believed or that no one cares. Simply listening to your loved one and taking their pain seriously can be extremely helpful.

Create a Positive Environment for Everyone

 
Creating an inclusive dialogue and listening attentively are a great way to begin creating a safe and positive environment for those men struggling with an eating disorder. But, it is just as important to encourage these habits in others. Advocate for those struggling by educating and encouraging people in your circle to also change their dialogue.

Set a positive example by speaking inclusively about those suffering with eating disorders and respecting those who may go against the traditional idea of masculinity.

Early-Intervention

Know the Warning Signs

 
Many studies have shown that people of different genders experience eating disorders similarly. However, the motivation between the sexes often differs. Eating disorders develop for many reasons, but a main cause is a desire to live up to the cultural ideal of perfection. Women, then, focus on becoming smaller and thinner, whereas men strive for the cultural ideal of having lean muscle, which explains why 90 percent of teenage boys’ exercise with the primary goal of bulking up [5].

As a result, a man with an eating disorder may exhibit different behaviors than a woman, such as excessive supplement use, abnormal eating patterns, steroid usage, and spending many hours in the gym.

Studies have also found four risk-factors unique to men that can help determine if someone is at risk for, or is struggling with, an eating disorder. These include having been overweight as a child, having a family history of obesity (particularly in their father), being involved in a same-sex relationship, and participating in particular sports such as jockeying, wrestling, swimming, or track [6].

Have the Difficult Conversation

 
It can be very difficult to approach someone you believe may have an eating disorder; however, having that tough conversation can go a long way to catching the disorder and finding treatment and assistance early. It is important to approach anyone struggling with a mental illness with empathy, sensitivity, and understanding while also acknowledging that they are strong, competent and the expert on their own experience.

While the conversation may be uncomfortable, it opens the door for the individual to come to you with this issue, whether they want to talk about it immediately or in the future. This is especially important for men, who often remain silent because of fear of judgment.

Make it a Team Effort

 
Whether you are a concerned parent or friend, showing support to someone who is struggling with an eating disorder is crucial. Provide unwavering emotional support. Perhaps even consider attending family or couple’s therapy with the individual to address their disorder. This can be especially helpful for men with eating disorders, as it shows that you take their disorder seriously and support them in their endeavor toward recovery.

Educate yourself on your community resources geared toward assisting men with eating disorders. The person may be afraid to attempt recovery because they feel there are no resources that understand their unique experience, making them feel isolated and helpless. Presenting them with resources informs them of options for recovery, demonstrates that you’re invested in their health and recovery, and shows them that they do not have to fight this illness alone.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

In what ways has your support system worked as a team to support eating disorder treatment and recovery?

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About the Author: Margot Rittenhouse is a therapist who is passionate about providing mental health support to all in need and has worked with clients with substance abuse issues, eating disorders, domestic violence victims and offenders, and severely mentally ill youth. As a freelance writer for Eating Disorder and Addiction Hope and a mentor with MentorConnect, Margot is a passionate eating disorder advocate, committed to de-stigmatizing these illnesses while showing support for those struggling through mentoring, writing, and volunteering. Margot has a Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.

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References:

[1]: Morton, R.; (1694); Phthisologica, or, a treatise of consumption. London: S Smith and B Walford.
[2]: Wade, T. D., Keski-Rahkonen, A., & Hudson, J. (2011). “Epidemiology of eating disorders.” In M. Tsuang and M. Tohen (Eds.), Textbook Psychiatric Epidemiology (3^rd Ed.) (pp 343-360). New York: Wiley.
[3]: Giordano, S. (2005). Understanding eating disorders: conceptual and ethical issues in the treatment of anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Oxford, NY: Oxford University Press.
[4]: Cohn, L. (2017, in press) Foreword. In Wooldridge.
[5]: Eisenberg, M., Wall, M., & Neumark-Sztainer (2012. “Muscle-enhancing behaviors among adolescent girls and boys.” Pediatrics, 130-6, pg. 1019-1026.
[6]: Stanford, S. C. (2011). Exploring eating disorders in men: a clinical comparison of men and women on the EDI-3 and the EDAM. Retrieved from ProQuest Information and Learning. Accession No. AAI3490524.

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The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on April 4, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com