Turning Point of Tampa’s John Jasper, a licensed mental health counselor joined Gayle Guyardo during Men’s health Week to discuss the often-overlooked issue of men and eating disorders.
While eating disorders are commonly associated with women, research shows that 25% of men will struggle with eating disorder behaviors in their lifetime. A 2019 Australian study showed 45% of middle school boys in engaged in eating disorder behavior.
Warning signs for men and boys include obsessing about weight, exercise, caloric intake, and food labels. Men and boys also experience body dysmorphia, with a significant obsession with gaining muscle mass and supplements. The term Bigorexia is becoming popular through subculture.
Bigorexia also known as muscle dysmorphia, is a term used to describe a condition where individuals, typically men, become preoccupied with the idea that their bodies are not muscular enough. This type of body dysmorphia occurs despite having the man or young boy having a muscular build or being physically fit.
People with bigorexia may experience anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions if they perceive themselves as lacking in muscularity. This can lead to a compulsive focus on exercise and diet, as well as an increased risk for using steroids or other muscle-building supplements to achieve their desired physique.
Social media is contributing to an increase in negative body image for men, with the fastest-growing demographic of people with eating disorders in the US being college-aged men.
Turning Point treats both men and women, eating disorders, addictions, and co-occurring disorders. Our continuum of care for those struggling with eating disorders, include intensive outpatient, day treatment, and residential treatment. Every client will work with a dietitian, clinical team, and medical staff to provide recommendations and support as they move into recovery.
