Eating disorders are a group of serious disorders that involve fixation with food, weight and eating, binging (consuming uncontrollable and exorbitant amounts of food in a single sitting), purging (vomiting or otherwise "un-doing" ingested food), over-exercise and/or compulsive dieting. Such disorders vary in characteristics and severity and though they've historically primarily affected women, the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) suggests that over 1 million boys and men in America struggle with eating disorders daily.
Food Restriction
People with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia commonly restrict food to dangerous extents. Those with anorexia may restrict food continually and maintain an extremely low body weight. Those with bulimia may restrict caloric intake between binging episodes and may be underweight, of normal weight or overweight as a result. Individuals with eating disorders may make common excuses for skipping meals or snacks, such as "I already ate" or "I'm really not hungry." They often count calories obsessively in a notebook or using computer programs. One who restricts calories is likely to adhere to fad diets or particular rules that limit calories, such as avoiding all fat, sugar or carbohydrates.
Binging Behaviors
Binge eating disorder is characterized by repeated consumption of excessive amounts of food. Often the individual with the disorder feels he cannot control these binging episodes and rarely find pleasure in the foods while binging. Brown University indicates that 40 percent of those diagnosed with binge eating disorder are men. Dr. Roberto Olivardia, researcher and author, explains that such eating disorders affect men differently than women. Men with the disorder experience greater weight fluctuations, were likely overweight or obese prior to the disorder, pursue leanness and muscularity over thinness and binge more often than women, particularly on carbohydrates. If you believe that a male you know may have an eating disorder, talk with a professional regarding the best means of helping the person, as men are less likely to pursue treatment themselves.
Depression
Depression, or elongated negative moods such as sadness or lack of purpose, is a common symptom men develop as part of an eating disorder, according to NEDA. The individual might isolate himself socially, show lack of interest in hobbies or other usual tasks and allude to low self esteem and body image. He may experience lethargy and tiredness and spend extensive time at the gym. Men with eating disorders also often hold themselves up to impossible or "perfect" standards and talk of or pursue goals that can't healthfully be achieved. There are many treatment options available to men and others with eating disorders. Though recovery is often challenging it is highly worthwhile. According to NEDA, it is important for men with eating disorders to know that healing is possible.
