Male Eating Disorders:- Growing Trend

Growing trend in Male Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are infamous among the female population but recent studies show that males are up on the run as well. A recent study confirmed that male eating disorders may be on the rise in athletes who increasingly strive to hold perfect body weight and figure to assist them in their performance.

Maybe it is prejudice that has got us to point fingers at women all the time when it comes to eating disorders. After all, it is a woman's body that is centre of attention at all times in comparison to men. So with the latest statistics in hand, which shows that about 10% of anorexic patients are men, I wonder if we have over looked an essential aspect of eating disorders for obvious grounds.

Gender bias, of course, plays a major role in here as in any other situation. If you are male and if you were to meet up with a doctor to discuss your new habits and potential male eating disorder symptoms, you are most likely to be advised to relax and take things easy rather than to be given a diagnosis as anorexic or bulimic.

In some cultures, the core values and beliefs won't allow to believe that there are males with eating disorders. In some cultures, male grooming habits are not considered key and worse, the cultural assumption will give the idea that if a male is concerned about his appearance, body image etc. he lacks male qualities. When it comes to South East Asian Countries, this becomes truer. Under these conditions, even if somebody suffering from male eating disorders will be unwilling to come forward and voice his thoughts or meet up with a physician to get on a discreet medical plan.

Jobs That Put At Risk Male Eating Disorder

Some jobs too put the people at risk of male eating disorders. This is especially true of sportsmen such as horse riders, athletes; professional dancers and of course models.

For some men, losing weight may be a necessity due to various reasons, but when it comes to putting it in to action, they will be unwilling to share their experiences with others. For e.g. if John is a professional dancer and if he wants to lose weight right away, it is unlikely that he admits to his girlfriend that he needs to be on a diet. Therefore, without settling down for a systematic diet he will starve himself as he pleases until he loses weight. So the bottom line is, male eating disorders are on the grow and the male population is at higher risk!