An article on Radio 1’s Newsbeat programme says that men with eating disorders are put at risk because people often think they are conditions that only affects women and girls. Yet research suggests that one in four people with an eating disorder is male.
Eating disorders include a number of conditions. They affect people not only physically but also impact on their mental health and social life. The most common eating disorders are:
- Anorexia Nervosa – when a person tries to keep their weight as low as possible; for example, by starving themselves or exercising excessively
- Bulimia – when a person goes through periods of binge eating and is then deliberately sick or uses laxatives (medication to help empty the bowels) to try to control their weight
- Binge Eating Disorder – when a person feels compelled to overeat large amounts of food in a short space of time
Source: NHS
What is an eating disorder?(BSL)
It can be more difficult for boys and men to seek help for eating disorders because much of the advice is targeted at girls and women. However, men and boys need support and advice if they are to recover, It’s vital they get help as eating disorders can cause physical and psychological damage and even lead to death.
The Royal College of GPs say that anyone who answers yes to any of the questions below should speak to the GP.
- Do you worry that you have lost control of how much you eat?
- Would you say that food dominates your life?
- Do you avoid eating with others?
- Do you worry excessively about your weight?