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Eating Disorders in Males

Posted 18th July 2019 by jon in Blog

Having an eating disorder is often associated with females, and we tend to dismiss the fact that eating disorders affect men too. There is a shame and stigma still attached to eating disorders such as Bulimia, and people can live with the disorder for over 20 years. Men will often visit us regarding something else, as they are unaware that what they are actually suffering with is an eating disorder.

There are not many eating disorder specialists around, however, early intervention by a medical professional gives the best chance of a quick and long-standing recovery from Bulimia. Everyone deserves support when going through an illness, but treatment can be undertaken, and a full recovery can be achieved.

What is Bulimia?

Bulimia is an eating disorder and mental health condition. Those with bulimia have periods where they eat a lot in a short space of time, this is also known as binge eating. They then make themselves vomit, use laxatives or exercise excessively (or an amalgamation of these things) in order to stop themselves from putting on weight.

During a ‘binge’, suffers of bulimia have often been known to say that the feel disconnected with what they are doing, and it’s not something that they can easily control. Bulimia suffers put a lot of emphasis on their weight and the shape of their bodies, as may see themselves as being much larger than they are.

Signs and Symptoms

  •  The binge/purge cycles that are most commonly associated with bulimia can take over daily life and cause relationship issues and social isolation.
  • Physical complications can occur such as problems with the teeth due to being sick often.
  • Laxative misuse can seriously affect the heart and digestive system.
  •  If you are suffering with bulimia, you are likely to have a fear of putting on weight and be extremely critical of your weight and body shape.
  • Mood changes are also common, as you may feel very tense or anxious a lot of the time.
  •  You may also spend a lot of time thinking about food.

These symptoms can be hard to detect in others around you as the sufferer can often maintain a normal weight, but secretive behaviour and a change in mood are things to look out for.

For more information about eating disorders in males, visit the following links:

 

To find out more about eating disorders, take a look at our eating disorders page or if you feel as if you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, book an appointment today.

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