Eating Disorders & Body Image Group

Issues for Men with Eating Disorders

We don't hear as much about men with eating disorders. That's because most don't seek out help. Perhaps there is a stigma attached; eating disorders, a woman’s disease. Truthfully, there aren't as many treatment centers for men. Many of the causes for the eating disorder are the same for men and women. However, men will have more specific issues related to pressures exclusive to the male gender. I encourage any male to seek out help for their disordered eating and/or poor body image.

The most important thing, overall, to remember is that most of the underlying psychological factors that lead to an Eating Disorder are the same for both men and women. Low self-esteem, a need to be accepted, depression, anxiety or other existing psychological illness, and an inability to cope with emotions and personal issues.

A great number of the causes are the same or very similar (family problems, relationship issues, alcoholic/addictive parent, abuse, societal pressure). Most of all, all people with eating disorders deserve to find recovery and the happiness and self-love on the other side.

Courtesy of SomethingFishy.org