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Monday, October 04, 2010

Eating Disorders Still Shameful for Men and Boys

Though the world is slowly waking up to the fact that body image issues and eating disorders don’t just affect females, a new study has found that men and boys still feel ashamed, unnoticed and unable to get professional help.

“The stigma around males and body image means males find it even harder to acknowledge they have an eating disorder and seek help. Males showing signs of eating disorders are less likely to be recognized and diagnosed by professionals including GPs and psychiatrists.” - Source: MediLexicon

These days, men face as many unrealistic expectations as women – though the expectations are different. Instead of being expected to be thin as a rail, men feel pressured to have six-pack abs, lots of muscle and not an ounce of fat. Organizations like the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) are working to raise awareness and eradicate the stigma so that men can get the help they need.
 

Labels: boys, men, body image

Posted By: Eating Disorders Help Guide

Comments:

Chelsea on 11/3/2010
Unfortunately, it's true that men and boys are very likely to be in denial about having an eating disorder or terrified to seek help. Too often, the stereotype is that it's a woman's/girl's disease only, and that only gay men/boys develop an e.d. EDs affect both genders, all races, all sexualities, all nationalities and all income levels. They are equal opportunity offenders.