Male Eating Disorders on the Rise; Can strike men of all ages

Harvard researchers reported the results of the first national study of eating disorders in a population of nearly 3,000 adults and found that 25 percent of those with anorexia (self-starvation) or bulimia (gorging and purging) and 40 percent of binge eaters (the uncontrolled consumption of large amounts of food) were men.

These results were surprisingly hight because eating disorders have long been regarded as a "women's problem." According to the report, the problem among boys and young men is frequently overlooked by parents and coaches and under-treated by doctors. Instead of attempting to maintain a certain body weight, males focus on achieving "six-pack" abs.

In both sexes there is often a family history of eating disorders and then some environmental trigger; for example failing to make a sports team where weight is paramount, such as wrestling or perhaps dieting to meet job requirements and then failing to stop.

"Genes load the gun, and environment pulls the trigger," said psychologist Cynthia Bulik, director of UNC's eating disorders program. "But one of the problems I see for male eating disorder patients is just being taken seriously."

Stigma remains a major barrier since men often loath to admit having a problem that is so strongly associated with women. Furthermore, unlike women's eating disorders which have been largely destigmatized by the pantheon of celebs who have openly discussed there disorders, very few well-known men have stepped forward.

The most notable exception is actor Dennis Quaid, who has talked about his battle with what he termed "manorexia", for which he sought treatment. Quaid said his problem started when he lost 40 pounds to play Doc Holliday in the 1994 movie "Wyatt Earp." Actor Billy Bob Thornton has said he, too, has battled anorexia, at one point losing 59 pounds, and singer Elton John has said he suffered from bulimia. Former male model Ron Saxen has written a new book describing his ordeal with binge eating. [Good Eater: The True Story of One Man's Struggle With Binge Eating Disorder]

Prevention and Treatment:

The treatment for males and females both involves cognitive therapy to overcome a distorted body image--which is at the core of eating disorders--and the illusion that losing just a little more weight will lead to an improved life. Experts say that depression and substance abuse may also be present. Unfortunately 20-30% of patients entering treatment drop out too soon and relapse. Recovery can take many months to several years of hard work before sufferers are free of destructive behaviors and in control of their lives

Parents are cautioned that comments they make about themselves (for example lamenting how fat they are or obsessing about their own dieting) could adversely affect their children's perceptions and put them at greater risk. The best plan it to model healthy behavior and pay attention to behavioral changes in their children. Plus they need to remember that boys can be just as susceptible as girls.

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