Anorexia In Men: 10 Signs To Identify It

In many cases there is a tendency to think that eating disorders such as anorexia are conditions that mainly affect women. Although in reality, there are more cases of anorexic women, one in three people who suffer from this disorder are men. The anorexia in men It is most frequently diagnosed during adolescence, but this disorder can affect any age. But why are there fewer cases of anorexic men? And why are there more and more anorexic men and boys?

Signs of anorexia in men

Even though the symptoms of anorexia in men and women are the same, anorexic boys may exhibit different behaviors or signs. In fact, the physical changes typical of this disorder may be masked due to the complexity of the male body. The most common signs of anorexia in men include the following:

1. Obsession with bodybuilding: The anorexic men They tend to be more concerned about lifting weights or bodybuilding (known as bigorexia).
2. Anxiety : This obsession with exercise can also translate into experiencing anxiety associated with missing a workout.
3. Excessive exercise: A anorexic man You can try to exercise even when you are injured or sick. That is, he will try to never miss a training session.
4. Decreased interest in sex : The anorexia in men It can also lead to a decrease in interest in sex.
5. Severe diet: In the same way that happens with women, men or boys with anorexia They limit their food intake.
6. Malnutrition or underweight : One of the most visible signs of anorexia in men or women It is precisely the extreme weight loss that these people may appear to be.
7. Obsessive measurement: The anorexic men They often take body measurements or constantly weigh themselves to see if they have lost weight.
8. Extreme fatigue: Due to the decrease in food, a anorexic man or boy will present constant exhaustion.
9. Irritability : When asking about this type of behavior many anorexic men They may react in an irritable manner.
10. Hair loss : Lack of nutrients can cause anorexic boys They end up losing a lot of hair.

These are some of the signs that could indicate that we are facing a case of anorexia in men If you think you are dealing with someone who suffers from this disorder, it is vital that you refer them to a mental health professional due to the consequences that anorexia can have.

Causes of male anorexia

According to research, some of the most frequently reported causes or triggers that led to the development of anorexia in a man They were the following ones:

• Harassment or intimidation: Teasing about appearance during childhood can be one of the causes of the appearance of male anorexia
• Success or failure in sports: In some cases the male anorexia It may appear due to the competition required in different sports.
• Body dissatisfaction: Social pressures on a standard of masculine beauty can generate dissatisfaction that leads to experiencing anorexia.
• Increase in body weight: Suffering from weight gain due to stress, growth and/or other factors can be one of the causes of the appearance of anorexia in men

Many causes of male anorexia They are similar to those of women. In reality, there is no single cause of anorexia in men, but the disorder can arise due to a combination of events.

Risk factors for anorexia in men

The risks associated with anorexia in men They are serious. In fact, different studies show that the mortality rate in anorexic men is higher than that of women. In addition, other risk factors for anorexia in men are the following:

• Stigma: There are many stigmas regarding anorexia, since socially it is considered a ‘female’ disorder.
• Unrealistic ideals: Unrealistic masculine ideals are exposed in the media and social networks that can psychologically affect men.
• Dysmorphia: There are men with the belief that their body is not muscular or thin enough.

Why is anorexia often undiagnosed in men?

Although approximately 25% of all cases of anorexia are men , these tend not to receive treatment for longer periods of time unlike the female part. The reason for this may be due to the following:

• Professional bias: Since there is a greater tendency of cases of anorexia in women, many professionals may have the tendency to diagnose the condition to a lesser extent. anorexia in men
• Stigma: Men tend to ask for less help with this disorder because this condition has been socially associated with women.
• Lack of recognition: Having a larger build, family members may not notice their children’s lack of weight. men or adolescents with anorexia
• Difficulty of diagnosis : Until the latest changes in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), diagnostic criteria were based on gender, such as symptoms such as amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), which made it difficult to diagnose the condition. anorexia in men

Consequences of anorexia in a man

Anorexia can have a very negative impact on the quality of life of the person who suffers from it. In fact, this disorder produces many physical and emotional consequences if it is not treated. Some of the effects of male anorexia untreated are the following:

• Lack of energy
• Slow and/or irregular heartbeat
• cold extremities
• Dry Skin
• Hair loss
• Weakness
• Digestive problems (bloating and constipation)
• Decreased sexual desire
• Low testosterone levels
• Bone loss and osteoporosis
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia

In addition to all these effects, self-esteem as well as relationships or careers or studies can be greatly affected due to anorexia. On the other hand, eating disorders are also often associated with mood problems and anxiety.

Treatment of anorexia in men

Early intervention is essential in cases of anorexia due to all the consequences that this condition can have on health. The important first steps in treating anorexia are medical stabilization, refeeding, and weight restoration. Mainly, therapy with a psychologist can be carried out through the following approaches:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a form of psychotherapy that helps people challenge the distorted thoughts, behaviors and emotions that serve to maintain their eating disorders. This type of treatment is focused on helping men with anorexia to recognize and change those thoughts or behaviors that are negative for mental and physical health.
• Dialectical behavior therapy: This therapy is designed to help clients develop new skills through strategies such as emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. In cases of anorexia in men can help deal with anxiety, out of control emotions and other problems that contribute to experiencing this disorder.
• Family therapy: This type of therapy involves the participation of a family member to help in the refeeding process as well as for weight maintenance or recovery.

How to deal with anorexia?

In addition to treatment with a professional psychologist who must receive a anorexic man there are a number of lifestyle changes that can be helpful:

1. Social contact: Spending time with family and friends can increase support and a sense of responsibility.
2. Self-care: Making sure you get enough sleep can help reduce the stress, anxiety and depression associated with anorexia.
3. Stress reduction : Participating in activities that increase relaxation and help reduce stress can be affective in cases of anorexia in men. Some of these strategies may be meditation, yoga or hobbies such as artistic activities.
4. Limit social media : Exposure to social networks can contribute to thinking about an unrealistic ideal in male beauty.
5. Support system : Joining a support group can increase your circle of friends and can help you improve involvement in the process.

The anorexia in men It can affect many areas. For this reason, it is essential to go to a psychologist and receive treatment as soon as possible.