National Centre for Eating Disorders effective solutions for eating disorders
treatment for eating disorders     54 New Road, Esher, Surrey KT10 9NU - Tel: 0845 838 2040
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eating disorders

MEN GET EATING DISORDERS TOO

At the National Centre for Eating Disorders we understand that males of all ages get eating disorders too. There are many thousands of secret sufferers who find it hard to ask for help, or who perhaps don't even know that they may need support with a problem relationship with food.

Men and even boys are concerned with how they look. There is not the same driving pressure for the size zero look which many women crave. At the same time, there is systematic exposure to media images of fit men, and there is increasing pressure for men as well as women to fight the flab and tone up.

Eating disorders among male athletes are rife in all kinds of sports, from soccer to gymnastics. This can start when a man believes that he will perform better if he is thinner. We have known for a long time that jockeys are under real pressure to be thin. You might like to read our short extract from a study of weight control among jockeys. If so please click here

But even ordinary boys can start to worry about their weight. Boys with weight problems can be teased and bullied too. No wonder that both men and women get the message that life is kinder when you are thin.

Is this YOU?

  • You have lost a lot of weight and someone is concerned, but you are not.
  • You throw up or take laxatives to prevent weight gain.
  • You are obsessed with fitness and exercise. You feel like a bad person for even thinking of taking a day off.
  • Nothing is as important as losing weight and/or increasing your fitness. Everything in your life is centered on food, exercise and weight.
  • Either you binge eat compulsively or you avoid eating at all. You struggle to control your weight.
  • You feel like a good, successful person if you are hungry.
  • Your self esteem is poor and you are staying away from your friends.
  • Your moods are very up and down, you are anxious and miserable.

Answering YES to any of these questions might be a sign that you need some support. We have both male and female therapists who can understand your issues and will make no assumptions about who you are.

The first step is to do a confidential personal assessment in person or by phone. You could also come along to any of our workshops. To take an assessment please click here.

Finally why not read our article on Eating Disorders in Men. Knowing the facts is often a good place to start.