The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders states that eating disorders are not only common amongst white teenage girls, like many people believe, but eating disorders also occur within every culture, status, and gender. Actually, 1 in every 10 men suffer from an eating disorder. It goes on to say that while women diet as a first resort, men diet only as a final choice. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, also known as ANAD, explains that men who are athletes, go through bullying, or trying to achieve the “perfect body” according to social norms are the most likely to experience an eating disorder. Binge eating, along with anorexia nervosa, seems to seriously affect both men and women, however men are not as likely to evoke attention than women. ANAD, surprisingly, mentions that male eating disorders go undiagnosed because doctors are less likely to report the issue. This problem affects young boys because they then believe that eating disorders are a “woman’s disease,” and feel ashamed of their illness. I do agree that eating disorders appear in every culture, status, and gender, but I disagree that a man’s last resort is dieting. Many athletes begin their workout regimen by dieting and working out helps them gain muscle. A person interested in the topic of male eating disorders might ask why doctors aren’t taking the proper steps in order to prevent the stigma of eating disorders that occur within men.
To view the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders website click here.
I can see how the article would mention that men's last resort would be to diet because I think men see dieting as more of a women's health thing. Since dieting is seen as eating less and eating like grass foods, men probably do not see diets as a way to help improve their physique (specifically men who want to "bulk up" muscle). But I do agree with you that men should not think of dieting as a last resort. Like you said athletes diet, I just think some of them might not considerate dieting. For instance my brother was a workout junky and he would learn healthy eating habits to obtain protein and other nutrients in multiple foods, yet he considerate more as an eating plan.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, it is dreadful to learn that men are not being acknowledge about eating disorders because, like your above picture displays, they are being influenced to obtain ideal body images. If we do not want girls to be held against ideal body images, it is not fair to also hold men to similar ideals.