Why do men suffer with eating disorders?
Men suffer from eating disorders in the same way that women do. While, in some cases, it may be different triggers or actions that result in disordered eating, the fundamentals are the same. Studies have suggested that as many as a quarter of people who suffer from eating disorders are male – and that’s only the reported cases.
What’s the difference between male and female eating disorders?
There is no difference between eating disorders in men and women. Even the official diagnostic process for eating disorders is now gender-neutral, where previously female-only issues like a lack of menstruation were included in the criteria. This means more and more people are recognising that men and women both experience eating disorders in the same way and are equally in need of help and support.
Do men with eating disorders need special treatment?
While men with eating disorders don’t need specific treatment and care, the problem we currently have in Northern Ireland is that male sufferers don’t yet have access to support to the same extent as women with eating disorders. Our goal at The Laurence Trust is to raise awareness, provide resources, and signpost men with eating disorders to services and community support with their needs in mind. No one should have to cope with an eating disorder on their own.
We change the mindset of what eating disorders mean for men
Having an eating disorder isn’t something to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. While many still have the stigma of eating disorders as a female-exclusive mental illness, we’re reaching more and more people every day. By raising awareness and fighting the myths and misinformation surrounding eating disorders in men, we support vulnerable people to make their first step towards recovery and health.