Eating Disorders and Body Image Concerns in Men of Color: Cultural Considerations

Research on eating disorders and body-image concerns has traditionally focused on White women and girls. Only a few studies have addressed the specific needs of racially and ethnically diverse men with eating disorders. This article reviews and presents research findings on contextual risk factors that contribute to eating disorders and body-image concerns in men and boys. First, important race- and ethnicity-related factors such as racial identity, acculturation, and experiences of discrimination are briefly discussed. Risk factors relevant for this population, including race-related factors, visual and social media, sexual orientation, muscularity, weight and obesity, and substance abuse, are then explored. Finally, implications for service providers and areas for future research are identified.

Clinicians’ views on treatment adaptations for men with eating disorders: a qualitative study

ObjectivesDespite traditional views of eating disorders as a female illness, there is a growing body of evidence that the incidence rate of eating disorders in men is rising. Research suggests that these men may experience unique symptoms and difficulties, however, it is unclear how these unique needs may impact treatment. The aim of this study was to explore clinicians’ views on whether men have gender-specific treatment needs, and how far these needs require treatment adaptations.DesignQualitative interview study using framework analysis to explore the experiences of clinicians working with men with eating disorders.SettingOutpatient National Health Service eating disorder service in London.ParticipantsTen clinicians from a variety of clinical backgrounds participated in the study.ResultsThe following three themes emerged: male-specific issues identified by clinicians, treatment approaches used for this population and the importance of creating a male-friendly environment. Male-specific issues identified by participants included an increased focus on muscularity and difficulty expressing or discussing emotion. Clinicians also suggested that men may be more likely to adopt a performance-based approach to. This was linked by clinicians to the impact of cultural perceptions of masculinity on their patients. Clinicians in this study felt that these individual needs could be met by adapting existing approaches within a supportive, male-friendly environment. However, there was not consensus over specific adaptations, including identifying risk, the need for male-only groups, or whether male patients needed access to male clinicians.ConclusionsAlthough men do present with specific treatment needs, these can typically be met within the framework of typical treatment approaches by experienced clinicians in an environment sensitive to the presence of men in an otherwise female-dominated space. However, there are a lack of explicit guidelines for this process, and areas such as male-only treatment spaces require further research.

Men in eating disorder units: a service evaluation survey regarding mixed gender accommodation rules in an eating disorder setting

Aims and methodThis service evaluation was conducted to find out: (1) if mixed gender accommodation in eating disorder units is perceived to be helpful or unhelpful for recovery, and (2) if men were being discriminated against by the implementation of the 2010 Department of Health (DoH) guidelines on the elimination of mixed gender wards. All 32 in-patient units accredited on the Quality Network for Eating Disorders were contacted via a survey.ResultsWe received 38 responses from professionals from 26 units and 53 responses from patients (46 female, 7 male) from 7 units. Four units had closed admissions to male patients due to DoH guidelines.Clinical implicationsWe found that it is possible to provide admission for men with eating disorders, while respecting the single gender accommodation rules, and that doing so is likely to be helpful for both genders and prevents discrimination against men.Declaration of interestNone.