ANA and I aren't working out anymore, so I think it's time I dump her.
Eating Disorders aren’t just a ‘girl thing’!
During conversations at dinner parties, social functions, or in professional meetings, it seems that a lot of people think that the clients I see with eating disorders are females. In fact, nearly everyone is surprised when I say I have male clients too. Why is this the case? I like to think of it as a conditioned response. For so many years, eating disorders have been linked to females, particularly dancers, gymnasts and swimmers due to the high aesthetic concentration of their sport. Because of this, anorexia nervosa has been coined as 'the most common eating disorder'. It may be the most well known, but it certainly isn't the most common. In reality, people with anorexia nervosa make up a small percentage of my case load. The majority of people I see are individuals like you and me who struggle to maintain good relationships with food- INCLUDING men!
The latest statistics from the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) illustrates some trends- trends that are favouring an increase in eating disorders in both males and females of all ages. Did you know males represent 25% of individuals with anorexia nervosa, and are at a higher risk of dying, mainly because they are often diagnosed too late due to the common misconception males don’t get eating disorders? In fact, the prevalence of eating disorder admissions increased from 235 to 466 from 2010 to 2018 in England, Wales, and Scotland alone. Hopefully I'm not alone in saying that these increased admissions in the UK are absolutely astonishing and reflects how dominant our diet culture really is in all countries. Essentially, what i'm trying to say is eating disorders are not just a girl THING. It's a people THING. And it's OUR responsibility to acknowledge this condition and make it a well known THING. The more males and females that slip through the cracks, the harder it is to change. Eating disorders don't discriminate, but unlike other chronic conditions, those affected CAN ALWAYS recover with the right support.
This increase in diagnosed eating disorders is likely 1, due to the stigmatism beginning to break down, enabling males to be more open about what they are going through, and 2, the heavy use of social media and diet culture messages seeping into our subconscious. The newest non-diagnostic eating disorder now termed by some experts is called 'bigorexia'. Bigorexia is the most recent disordered eating condition in which young men and boys are obsessed with muscle definition and body shape. Just like anything there's a fine line between wanting to be fit and healthy with more lean muscle mass than fat mass, and being fixated on it. If excessive thoughts about food, exercise and body image are preventing individuals from going to social functions/activities, acting spontaneously and living their life according to their inherent values, than the sooner they can talk to someone can be the difference in going down a rabbit hole, and reorienting behaviours in a healthier, less stressed and rigid manner to prevent deficiencies, delays in development, and other compromises in health.
I think it's now time I tell you the story behind the title of this blog. I have been seeing a man in his early 60's weekly for some time now for treatment of severe anorexia nervosa (I'll keep this brief as to not trigger any readers). Through several weeks of listening to his story, and slowly piecing the parts of his life together (along with identifying his associated health complications) and numerous attempts of motivational interviewing, (I am far from an expert!) he walked in after a few sessions looking calmer than usual and stated he had some news for me. I asked him how "ANA" had been treating him this past week, which he proudly took a big breath in and exhaled as he firmly stated "ANA and I aren't working out anymore, so I think it's time I dump her". I'll preface this by saying I've been known to be quite enthusiastic and outgoing during my sessions. I jumped out of my chair with my hands high over my head and shrieked with happiness. I told him how proud I was of him as I reviewed his diet intake and compensatory behaviours, all which improved drastically. I was so speechless I couldn't believe the hard work he put in, in such a short time of working together. The following week, his nutrition intake doubled, and weight gain was consistent with recovery. Although we still have a long way to go, his story and perseverance filled me with pride and joy and confirmed that even though anyone can be a victim, there is always a chance to recover and reclaim your life.
This story is just one of many from the non-diet dietitians at River Oak Health who work specifically in the area of eating disorder/disorders. Hopefully I've at least planted a seed that may grow into changing your perception of eating disorders among males young and old. If you know of someone who might be struggling, it is OK to ask them if they are okay and raise your concerns. It is an emotionally exhausting and isolating condition. Your support goes a long way even if it doesn't seem like it at the time.
Feel free to contact us to talk through strategies to help your loved one, or dicuss which treatment option is right for you.