NEDA TOOLKIT for Educators
Are the issues different for males with an
eating disorder? What do I say?
Can’t people who have anorexia see that they
are too thin?
Some aspects may be different in males. Important
issues to consider when talking to or supporting a male
who may have an eating disorder include the following:
Most cannot. Body image disturbance can take the
form of viewing the body as unrealistically large (body
image distortion) or of evaluating one’s physical
appearance negatively (body image dissatisfaction).
People with anorexia often focus on body areas where
being slim is more difficult (e.g., waist, hips, thighs).
They then believe they have “proof” of their perceived
need to strive for further weight loss. Short-term
weight loss and shape-change goals are often moving
targets that can lead to a slippery slope of unhealthy
weight loss. Body image dissatisfaction is often related
to an underlying faulty assumption that weight, shape,
and thinness are the primary sources of self-worth and
value. Adolescents with negative body image concerns
may be more likely than others to be depressed,
anxious, and suicidal.
• Stigma. Eating disorders are promoted
predominantly as a female concern. Males
may feel a greater sense of shame or
embarrassment. • It may be even more important not to mention
the term “eating disorder” in the discussion,
but rather focus on the specific behaviors you
have noticed that are concerning.
• Keep the conversation brief and tell him what
you’ve directly observed and why it worries you.
• Eating disorder behavior presents differently
in males. Although the emotional and physical
consequences of eating disorders are similar
for both sexes, males are more likely to focus
on muscle gain, while females are more likely
to focus on weight loss.
What’s the difference between overeating and
binge eating?
Binge eating is distinguished by eating an amount of
food within a specified time that is larger than the
amount that most people would consume during a
similar time and circumstance, and a sense of loss
of control, or inevitability of a binge, such that the
individual feels that he or she could not have stopped
it from happening, and afterwards experiences shame
and guilt. Sometimes, detailing daily eating patterns can
be helpful in decreasing food consumption. However,
it may be insufficient in addressing the underlying
emotional or psychological components of an eating
disorder and consequences of binges. Anyone who
suspects that they may be suffering from binge eating
disorder should speak with a trained professional
in order to identify and address any underlying
components. I know someone who won’t eat meals with
family or friends, both in and out of school.
How can he/she not be hungry? Does he/she
just not like food?
Most likely, the person is overwhelmingly preoccupied
with food. A person with an eating disorder does not
like to eat with others, does not like anyone questioning
his/her food choices, and is totally consumed with
refraining from eating. Is the person hungry? Yes! But
the eating disorder controls the person.
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