Whether you are male or female, you can have an eating disorder.Men are less likely to seek help for eating disorders.There are some things you can do to confirm your suspicions if you suspect that you or a man you know may have an eating disorder.It is important to encourage this man to seek help if you still think this is the case.
Step 1: Look for eating patterns that are not healthy.
The way that someone eats could be a sign that they have an eating disorder.This includes the types of foods they will and will not eat, the amount of food they consume, and how they eat their food.If you pay attention to the person's eating behaviors, you can determine if he has an eating disorder.A man with an eating disorder can only eat lettuce, celery, and carrots.He can limit his food intake by eating small amounts of food, or by staying within a limit of 800 calories per day.He avoids eating near people.Someone who is bulimic might eat large amounts of food but never seem to gain weight.People with bulimia are more likely to binge in secret than in front of others.He may or may not go to the bathroom immediately after eating.There are men with binge-eating disorder.Men with binge-eating disorder may eat to excess.Even if they are not hungry, they can eat this way.
Step 2: Look for significant weight loss.
If you notice that a man has lost a lot of weight in a short period of time, this can be a sign of a problem.A drop in weight is a sign of an eating disorder.If a man drops 20 pounds in a month, this would be cause for concern.There are signs of weight loss, such as loose fitting clothing, a more pronounced bone structure, or claims of significant weightloss.
Step 3: Listen for a preoccupation with being thin.
A person with an eating disorder wants to be thin so much that it will dominate their life.The person talks a lot about weight loss topics.It is common in people with eating disorders.Ask the person how often they talk about weight loss, nutrition, and exercise.Is the person's comments healthy or obsessive?How much time does he spend on these topics?A friend of yours might tell you about a new diet or exercise program whenever you see him.When you are together, he might talk about diet and exercise.
Step 4: There is a preoccupation with body image.
People with eating disorders are often too focused on their bodies and have distorted views of themselves.A person with an eating disorder can look at himself in the mirror, criticize his body, and compare himself to others.Pay attention to how much he talks about his body.Does this preoccupation affect his life?Is his preoccupation with his body the reason he stopped engaging in other interests?He may have an eating disorder if that is the case.
Step 5: It's a good idea to watch for excessive exercising.
Men with eating disorders are more likely to engage in excessive exercise behaviors than women.Spending hours at the gym on a daily basis or exercising to excess to offset calories may be included.He devotes a lot of time to exercise.He may have an eating disorder if he is devoting an unreasonable amount of time to exercise.
Step 6: Discuss the use of illegal or prescription drugs.
People with eating disorders often use prescription drugs to increase metabolism and reduce appetite.He could use cocaine, amphetamines, or diet pills to speed up his metabolism and reduce his appetite.Do you notice any drug use in the person?
Step 7: The person has a family history.
Eating disorders are common in families where other types of mental illness are also common.Do you know if other family members have dealt with eating disorders or other mental health issues?He is at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder if he has a parent who had one.The risk of developing an eating disorder is increased by the fact that a parent or sibling has an anxiety disorder.
Step 8: Take any psychological factors into account.
People with eating disorders are more likely to have other mental health issues that put them at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder.Consider if this man has dealt with mental health issues of his own.A man with an anxiety disorder is more likely to develop an eating disorder.A man's risk of developing an eating disorder can be increased by high stress levels.Financial troubles, a difficult job, and relationship issues are some of the stressors.The risk of developing an eating disorder in some men can be increased by a history of abuse or alcoholism.
Step 9: Eating disorder symptoms can be seen in professional athletes.
Athletes who participate in sports that require lots of jumping have a higher incidence of eating disorders.A pole vaulter is more likely to have an eating disorder.Ballet dancers, models, and actors are more prone to eating disorders because of the pressure to stay thin for the job.If he is involved in a sport, he might be putting pressure on himself to be thin.
Step 10: Sexual orientation does not matter to you.
Gay, straight, male or female can develop an eating disorder.Half of the men with eating disorders are gay.Gay men may be at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder due to peer pressure and media influence.Don't use sexual orientation as evidence that a man has an eating disorder if he is gay, because there is a higher risk for him to develop one.
Step 11: There are signs of an eating disorder.
Anorexia causes people to restrict their food and attempt to lose weight.Someone with an eating disorder is trying to lose weight even though they are too thin.There are some other symptoms to watch out for.There is a fear of weight gain.Reducing the intake of calories is incessantly done.The person is engaging in physical activity.Maintaining a healthy weight is not something that I want to do.Denying that he is overweight.Binging and purging are caused by vomiting and laxative abuse.For self-esteem, relying on weight loss and food restriction.Being depressed.Failure to fulfill academic or career potential is withdrawing from social interaction.
Step 12: Look for signs of illness.
A pattern of binge-eating is called bulimia.bulimics will eat a large amount of food and then purge it using laxatives, vomiting, or excessive exercise.People with bulimia may be at a normal weight or even a little overweight.The normal or overweight range for the body mass index is between 18.5 and 30.A sense of self-worth is based on body weight and shape.There is a sore throat.There are swollen glands in the neck.The tooth is weak.Acid reflux.Dehydration and/or electrolyte imbalance can happen.The stomach is upset from the use of laxatives.There is a high risk of mortality due to the disorder and suicidal tendencies.Social-life activities should be reduced.
Step 13: There are signs of binge eating disorder.
Binge-eating disorder is a problem in the United States.Eating large amounts of food in one sitting is a type of eating disorder.People with binge-eating disorder are usually overweight or obese.Eating large amounts of food quickly is one of the things to watch for with binge-eating disorder.An entire large pizza or a bag of chips can be eaten in one sitting.Eating too much makes the person feel full or sick.Eating in secret.Trying to diet but not losing weight.Feelings of guilt or shame about binges.
Step 14: Encourage the person to seek help.
Encourage a man you know to seek help if you suspect he has an eating disorder.The person should speak with a doctor.He may be referred to a mental health professional.There is a central role for registered dieticians in any successful treatment program for eating disorders.Say something like, "I have noticed some things about your eating habits and preoccupation with your weight that are making me concerned."I want to help.There are in-patient rehabilitation centers that deal with eating disorders.You can help the person find more information.If you think you have an eating disorder, seek help for yourself.If you need help getting treatment, talk to a trusted friend or family member.You can schedule an appointment with your family doctor to discuss what's going on.