Are eating disorders on the rise with young men and boys? - Eating disorders have historically been associated with women, but they are increasingly affecting young men and boys. Research shows that males represent up to 25% of those struggling with eating disorders. This alarming trend calls for greater awareness, as early detection and intervention are crucial for effective treatment. Societal, psychological, and biological factors contribute to the rise in eating disorders in young men and boys, and this gallery provides insights into signs and symptoms to watch out for. Click through to discover more.

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Changing beauty standards -

Social media and popular culture promote muscular and fit male body ideals, leading to unhealthy comparisons and the pressure to conform.

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Stigma and gender norms -

Eating disorders have traditionally been seen as a 'female issue,' discouraging boys and men from seeking help, discussing, or even acknowledging their struggles.

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Increased awareness -

Greater awareness and improved diagnoses of eating disorders in males may have contributed to the observed rise in cases.

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Peer pressure and bullying -

Social pressures to fit in and look a certain way may cause boys and young men to adopt extreme dieting or exercise habits.

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Body dysmorphia -

An increase in body dysmorphia, a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance, is linked to eating disorders in males.

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Athletic pressures -

Competitive sports can encourage unhealthy weight management practices to meet specific weight classes or improve performance.

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Cultural expectations -

Societal norms and cultural expectations about masculinity may cause some boys and men to engage in unhealthy behaviors to appear more "masculine."

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Mental health issues -

Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are common underlying factors attributing to eating disorders.

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Trauma and abuse -

Experiences of trauma or abuse can lead to eating disorders as a form of coping with overwhelming emotions or as a way to regain a sense of control.

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Influence of fitness culture -

The rise of fitness influencers and online workout communities can promote unrealistic or extreme fitness goals.

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Excessive exercise -

A young boy or man may have an obsession with exercise if it interferes with normal activities or causes harm to their body.

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Strict dieting -

Following strict or unusual diets, often with extreme calorie restrictions or avoidance of specific food groups, may be a sign of an eating disorder.

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Obsession with body image -

Constantly checking or criticizing their appearance, particularly regarding muscle size or body fat, could be a cause for concern.

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Social withdrawal -

If you or someone you know is avoiding social situations involving food or becoming increasingly isolated from friends and family, it could be a sign of an eating disorder.

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Rapid weight loss -

A significant and sudden drop in weight that cannot be explained by typical growth or development could indicate an eating disorder.

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Changes in eating habits -

Look out for any noticeable changes in food choices, eating patterns, or meal skipping.

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Frequent bathroom visits -

Spending a lot of time in the bathroom after meals could indicate purging or other harmful behaviors.

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Mood swings -

If you notice rapid changes in mood or behavior, it could be related to fluctuations in energy levels from unhealthy eating patterns.

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Use of supplements or steroids -

Look out for a growing reliance on supplements, protein powders, or steroids to build muscle or control weight.

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Lying about food intake -

A young boy or man struggling with an eating disorder may provide false information about eating habits.

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Physical symptoms -

An eating disorder can cause hair loss, dry skin, or frequent illness due to a weakened immune system.

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Focus on weight-control devices -

An obsession with tools such as body fat calipers to monitor and control body shape could be a sign of an eating disorder.

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Neglecting other interests -

If you or someone you know is losing interest in activities and hobbies previously enjoyed, often in favor of focusing on body image or fitness, it could be a sign of an eating disorder.

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Increased irritability -

Mood changes, particularly irritability or aggression, could be linked to hunger, fatigue, or other stressors from eating disorders.

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Relationship problems -

An eating disorder can cause strain in relationships with friends or family due to secrecy or unusual behavior around food or exercise.

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Physical discomfort -

Complaints of abdominal pain, indigestion, or other gastrointestinal issues could be related to disordered eating.

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Fixation on food content -

Compulsive checking of ingredient lists, nutritional labels, and calorie counting may be signs of an eating disorder.

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Denial -

Commonly, those with an eating disorder refuse to acknowledge that there is an issue, even when confronted with evidence of unhealthy behavior.

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Seeking professional help -

If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of the previous signs or symptoms, it's crucial to seek professional help from a healthcare provider or an eating disorder specialist.

Sources: (National Association of Anorexia and Associated Disorders) (The New York Times) (Child Mind Institute)

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