As June is Men’s Health awareness month, in this blog we are highlighting some of the common health conditions that affect men (although women may also be at risk of the following health conditions).
Whilst eating disorders are commonly considered a female issue there is no doubt that disordered eating is increasing among boys and men although there is little data to determine how many. A 2007 survey conducted for the NHS confirmed that although cases of possible eating disorder are concentrated among women, it also showed that a quarter of cases among young people were found in men.
Types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating disorder. These types of conditions are complex, with many potential causes and risk factors including:
- low self-esteem
- a family history of eating disorders
- depression or substance misuse
- being criticised/bullied for body shape or weight
- being overly concerned with being slim or having a particular body image
The Royal College of Psychiatrists have looked at eating disorders in men and report several factors:
- Eating disorders do seem to have become more common in boys and men.
- It may be that men are now seeking help for eating disorders rather than keeping quiet about them.
- Eating disorders are more common in occupations which demand a low body weight (or low body fat). These include horse riding, bodybuilding, wrestling, boxing, dancing, swimming, athletics and rowing.
Cognitive Hypnotherapist, Laurie Harvey has written interesting blogs around emotional eating and negative thoughts. She runs clinic at Lucks Yard Clinic and you can find out more about Laurie here: https://www.lucksyardclinic.com/services-and-treatments/cognitive-hypnotherapy/
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