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Boys and Men
Although eating disorders primarily affect women and girls, boys and men are also vulnerable. One in four preadolescent cases of anorexia occurs in boys, and binge-eating disorder affects both sexes about equally. Males with eating disorders exhibit the same types of emotional, physical, and behavioral signs and symptoms as girls but, for several reasons, are less likely to be diagnosed with what’s often considered a “female” disorder.
Males tend to develop eating disorders in connection with athletic performance. They typically obsess about percentage of body fat and develop food phobias for a competitive edge. Fixation with performance often leads to other drastic practices, such as steroid use and compulsive exercise. In addition, athletic teams and coaches may encourage unhealthy eating and exercise as a part of physical conditioning, particularly for sports requiring weigh-ins. Homosexual males are at risk of eating disorders, especially anorexia, due to cultural pressure to be thin. They’re more likely to obsess over weight than athletic performance.
Up to 40% of binge eaters are male. Though linked to genetics and obesity, there is also an emotional component; male binge eating is connected with low self-esteem, especially in terms of physical competitiveness and sexual attractiveness.
Because male eating disorders don’t tend to fit prevailing social perceptions, men are less likely to recognize their own problems. Reluctant to appear feminine for having an eating disorder, they often won’t admit it or seek help.
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