It's always been viewed as primarily a female problem: an obsession with weight and appearance that leads to eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. But an increasing number of men are fighting similar battles.

"[Sam] Lample said in males, there is more of a focus on size than weight. He said some males will obsess over becoming muscular or 'ripped' like Hollywood A-List men... Men are starting to experience the same type of media-related pressure for appearance and body shape as women have for some time..."

Because the disorders in men often don't involve weight loss, they can be deceptive. Symptoms in men look different, and are typically expressed through excessive exercising and use of potentially-harmful substances - such as steroids - to increase muscle mass. Source: ABC Channel 15 (Phoenix, AZ)

Read more: Eating Disorders and Mental Illness and Eating Disorders in Boys and Men

Labels: body_image, men, muscles