Uncovering the hidden story of male eating disorders

Ian Peate looks at the underreported phenomenon of eating disorders in male patients

Eating Disorders in Males

Eating disorders have been traditionally thought of as female disorders, with males representing a rare and atypical minority of presentations. As a result, males with eating disorders have been uniquely stigmatized. However, contemporary evidence has illustrated an increasing prevalence of male eating disorders, although males continue to be underrepresented in treatment studies and often go undetected in clinical practice. This chapter provides an overview of the prevalence of eating disorders in males, highlights distinct differences in clinical presentations, and provides recommendations for tailoring clinical treatment approaches. It also describes useful clinical resources related to males and eating disorders, including useful assessment measures and website resources.

Males and Body Image: "Weighing In" on a Growing Concern

FCS8849, a 3-page factsheet by Eboni Baugh, addresses the growing issue of male body image problems and male eating disorders. It explains what factors can put men at higher risk and offers suggestions to help men maintain a healthy body image. Published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, July 2007.