Eating disorders in males : a review

Abstract

Eating disorders are stereotypically believed to be a white, female, middle class malady. There is not currently a widely-held awareness among health professionals that these conditions exist in males, although past research has estimated that between 5-10% of individuals presenting with eating disorders are male. Despite increased records of the incidence of both Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa in females over the last 50 years, the awareness of these disorders in males remains low. This has been attributed to bias and inaccuracy in diagnosis, stigma, and reluctance among males to seek treatment. This paper reviews the existing literature on males with eating disorders in an attempt to properly outline typical features that males may present with. These features are assessed within the context of generally accepted diagnostic criteria, and further the understanding of this phenomenon in males.

Key words: Males, Eating disorders, Age of onset and presentation, Body dissatisfaction, Weight control, Comorbidity, Sexual orientation, Social class, Socio-cultural pressures, Family relationships

South African Psychiatry Review Vol.8(2) 2005: 58-64