Reasons Anorexia Develops in Men

Anorexia is a health issue we typically do not associate with weight issues in men. For many eating disorder programs, the primary focus of care is placed upon women as women often live with this disorder moreso than men. For some men, however, a complication with anorexia may develop and there are typically very direct reasons they manifest.

As a mental health eating disorder that causes extremely unhealthy weight loss, individuals who live with anorexia are often struggling with primary emotional health issues associated with body image. It is typically only when the condition results in unhealthy physical appearance that medical attention and mental health care may be sought.

In men, anorexia typically develops for the same reasons that women develop these health issues. The primary focus of this eating disorder developing in men lies in the fallout from being bullied while a child. For men who are bullied about being chubby in grade school, there is often an overly aggressive focus on being thin so as to ensure the bullying does not resume in adulthood.

In addition to fears of being bullied, men may also develop anorexia in response to a sports physique they desire to achieve which, ultimately, is not developed correctly. Without proper coaching and guidance in nutrition, the obsession to obtain a physical stature for sports purposes may cause anorexia to develop.

And, finally, men are at risk for developing eating disorders such as anorexia in response to a pre-conceived fear about illness that runs in their family. While this is not as common as the prior reasons for anorexia, is it a reason nonetheless. In men who have fathers with severe health issues, there may be an over obsession in getting ill and, as a result, lack of proper nutrition develops leading to anorexic complications.

As a man, if you find that your health is adversely impacted to a point where you may have an eating disorder, always seek out mental health services for your condition. Never become overly occupied with the treatment typically given to women as there are many programs that men can enter into successfully - achieving physical fitness and improving overall health.

Sources: Making Weight, by Arnold Andersen