As an eating disorder therapist, I see many different kinds of people dealing with these tough issues. A lot of people think that eating disorders only happen to young women, but that's not true. Anyone can have an eating disorder, no matter their gender, age, race, or how much money they make.
Men Are Underrepresented in the Eating Disorder Discussion
One group we don't talk about enough is men. Let me help you understand this better. Think about a man you might know. Maybe he's your brother, your dad, your friend, or maybe it's you. On the outside, he seems strong and helpful. But on the inside, he might be dealing with a really hard problem. He may be unhappy with how his body looks, or feel a lot of pressure to look a certain way. He might have a tough time with food and exercise, always trying to be perfect. This is hard for anyone, but it's often even harder for men because people don't always think men can have these problems, too.
Even though a lot of people think eating disorders are something that only happens to women, the truth is that they can happen to anyone. And sometimes, men who have these problems don't get the help they need because people don't realize what's going on.
So, to help these men, we need to look at the facts, understand how eating disorders can be different for men and women, and get rid of wrong ideas about men and eating disorders.
Everyone who is dealing with an eating disorder deserves to be noticed, understood, and helped, no matter who they are. Let's work together to make sure that happens.
Let's Talk Numbers: How Many Men Have Eating Disorders?
You might be surprised to know just how common eating disorders are in men. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) says that out of every three people dealing with an eating disorder, one is a man. That's a lot more than most people think!
But here's the tough part: men with eating disorders don't often ask for help. They might feel embarrassed or worried about what others will think because there are so many wrong ideas out there about men and eating disorders.
And there's something else important to know. Some men might not have all the signs of an eating disorder that doctors usually look for, but they're still having a hard time. These problems with food and eating, even if they aren't as severe, can still really affect a man's life. And guess what? These less severe problems happen almost as often in men as they do in women.
That's why it's so important to understand this issue and make sure everyone knows that men can struggle with eating disorders, too.
Different Problems for Men and Women with Eating Disorders
Eating disorders don't look the same in everyone. They can be different for men and women, and this can make them harder to spot and treat in men.
Imagine a man who's always worried about his muscles. He might think he's not big or lean enough, no matter how much he works out. This is called muscle dysmorphia, and it's more common in men. It's a type of body dysmorphic disorder, which is when someone can't stop thinking about a flaw in their appearance that may not even be real.
Now think about the pressures we all face from society and culture. Women often feel like they have to be thin, while men feel like they have to be muscular and lean. This can lead to different problems with food and exercise. For instance, a man might exercise too much or use supplements and steroids in a way that's not safe.
But there's another problem, too. Men might feel ashamed about having a problem that many people think only happens to women. They might worry about seeming weak or less manly. These fears can stop men from asking for help. This means that a lot of men with eating disorders don't get diagnosed or treated, and their problems aren't reported.
Understanding Eating Disorders: It's More Than Just Food
When we try to understand eating disorders, it's key to look at the big picture. We have to realize that there are common things driving the different ways eating disorders show up. This is what we call a 'transdiagnostic view'.
One helpful theory we use to understand eating disorders is the cognitive-behavioral theory. It tells us that worrying too much about dieting, body shape, and weight is at the heart of these problems.
Now, it's true that some men might diet or try to change their bodies because they want to seem disciplined, win at something, or get attention from others. But these reasons are different from the intense focus on body shape, weight, and control that's a main part of eating disorders.
Understanding Men's Eating Habits and Weight-Control
Men who struggle with eating disorders often go to great lengths to limit how much food they eat. This is what we call 'dietary restraint', and it's one of the key signs of an eating disorder.
Men might set hard, specific rules for themselves about eating. They might decide when they should eat (like only after 6 pm), how much they should eat (like keeping their daily calories below 1200), and what they should eat (like trying to completely avoid certain foods).
This means their eating habits can become very limited and rigid. This can go as far as causing difficulties with social eating. Celebrations that involve food, like birthdays or holidays, can become a source of stress and worry because of the pressure to eat more or eat in front of others.
On top of all this, many men with eating disorders also engage in intense exercise routines, trying to gain a muscular look. This can become just as extreme and controlling as their eating habits.
The Risks of Overusing Supplements and Testosterone
Recent studies have shown a troubling pattern. Some men, especially those into bodybuilding, are using protein supplements and testosterone more than they should. They hope these will help build muscle and improve how they perform physically.
The problem is, relying too much on these products can cause men to become overly worried about how muscular or lean they are. This can lead to eating disorders, especially in sports or fitness cultures where looking a certain way and performing well are really important.
Effects of Extreme Food Limitations on Men
Men trying to limit how much they eat may end up not getting enough nutrients for their bodies to function properly. When they're successful in severely limiting their food intake, men can lose a lot of weight and may become dangerously thin.
This is a common issue among men diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and those with other specific eating or feeding disorders (also called OSFED) who are underweight. The side effects of this can be very serious. These can include heart issues that could be life-threatening or losing bone density, which can be hard to get back.
How Eating Disorders Change and Grow in Men
Eating disorders can show up in a lot of different ways. Men, usually start with trying to limit food intake a lot. Over time, they can try to do this more and more, leading to weight loss and sometimes becoming seriously underweight. What might be surprising is that being so strict with food can lead to overeating, or binge eating. This can be a sign that things are getting worse, moving into other disorders like bulimia nervosa or a mix of different eating disorders.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa usually starts in the late teenage years or early adulthood. It often begins much like anorexia nervosa. But unlike anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa doesn't go away on its own. Men with bulimia often struggle with eating issues for 8 years or more. Even 5-10 years after first showing signs of the disorder, about half of these men still have a serious eating disorder, although it might have changed from bulimia to a mix of different eating disorders.
Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
There isn't a lot of research on the development and course of "Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified" (EDNOS). But, like bulimia nervosa, most patients, including men, start showing signs in their teenage years or in their 20s. About a quarter to a third have had anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa in the past.
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is a bit different. Most people with this disorder are middle-aged, and a third or more are men. This is pretty different from people with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and EDNOS, who are usually younger females. Binge eating disorder tends to come and go, with people having times when they binge eat a lot and other times when they have control over their eating. But, generally, people with this disorder have a tendency to overeat and gain weight, and few report a history of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
Shifting Diagnosis of Eating Disorders
One big thing about eating disorders, not counting binge eating disorders, is that the diagnosis can change over time. While a small group of people keeps the same diagnosis, most people shift between different eating disorder diagnoses. This shows that eating disorders often start with trying to limit food intake, but control over eating often breaks down and binge eating starts.
Does this change in diagnosis mean that a person has recovered from one mental disorder and developed another one, as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) suggests? Or does it mean that a single eating disorder has changed over time?
If a man with EDNOS, who had anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa before, was told that he had three different mental disorders and had recovered from two of them, he would probably be surprised and doubtful. He would likely feel that he's had one eating disorder that has changed over time. This idea lines up more with the transdiagnostic view, which says that to address eating disorders in men, we need to understand this evolution and the movement between diagnoses.
Addressing Men's Unique Challenges With Eating Disorders is Key to Recovery
In the end, it's crucial to address the unique challenges men face with eating disorders. We need to recognize the role of society's pressures and the misuse of supplements and things like testosterone. Encouraging men to get professional help without fear of being judged can lead to more understanding and effective help.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Men with Eating Disorders
Given all these challenges and the constant changes in eating disorders, it's crucial to find a type of eating disorder therapy that can help men effectively. One such therapy is Cognitive Behavior Therapy or CBT for short. This could be the ideal treatment for men fighting eating disorders.
CBT, especially a more advanced form called CBT-E, works really well with eating disorders. This is because eating disorders are mainly disorders of the mind, and CBT is made to create change in the mind. CBT-E is a treatment strategy that targets the thoughts and behaviors that drive eating disorders, instead of just focusing on a specific diagnosis. This makes it a great fit for many patients, including men, who often have unique challenges and symptoms.
How CBT-E Works
The way CBT-E works is based on a formulation - a set of ideas about what is keeping the patient's eating disorder going. CBT-E finds the things that need to be addressed in treatment. It's a personalized approach, letting each patient's specific situation and symptoms guide the treatment.
What's important to know is that CBT-E is made for all adults, no matter how smart they are, their education, or how aware they are of their own thoughts and feelings. Even people who don't think a lot about their own thoughts and feelings can benefit from CBT-E. Sometimes, the people who are hardest to help are the very smart ones who think too much about their experiences.
What to Look for in an Eating Disorder Therapist
Eating Disorder Therapists using CBT-E should have certain qualities. They need to be understanding, not judge, be patient, and be adaptable. Because each patient has a unique mix of symptoms and experiences, therapists need to be flexible and willing to change their approach as needed.
Reach Out For Help Today. Connect With an Eating Disorder Therapist in New Port Beach, CA, and Regain Control.
It's critical to see the value and effectiveness of CBT-E in treating eating disorders in men. Its personalized nature caters to each person's needs, offering a safe place to recover. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, we urge you to reach out to us. Our understanding and skilled eating disorder therapists are ready to help you on your path to recovery. Your well-being is our number one goal, and we're dedicated to helping you take back control of your life. Reach out today and start your journey to recovery.
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Other Mental Health Services Offered at My Counseling Concierge.
In addition to Therapy for Eating Disorders, we also offer a range of other services to address your needs. These include Therapy for OCD and Therapy for Anxiety. We look forward to guiding you through the process of healing.
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