Eating disorders in men
Eating disorders in men are hard to detect. Although more women than men get eating disorders, the numbers reported for eating disorders in men are believed to be understated. According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, men are thought to make up about 1 million of the 8 million Americans with eating disorders.
Many men go untreated and undiagnosed for their condition. In a study by University of Toronto, although more than twice as many women as men had eating disorders, there were more men affected than would be expected. This suggests that the occurrence of eating disorders may be higher among men than the current estimates.
Just like the case of breast cancer, the misconception is that eating disorders is largely seen as a women issue. Men feel that it is impossible for them to have an eating disorder as it is one that is associated with young women.
Even for young women, many do not already seek treatment. What more can you say about the men with eating disorders and with their current misconception?