Bulimia In Male

While it is a well known fact that eating disorders primarily affect women with the estimates being seven to ten million in the United States alone, eating disorders also affect the male population with approximately one million men being diagnosed with an eating disorder.

Recent studies have also shown an increase in the number of men being diagnosed with the eating disorder of bulimia. Some research also suggests that bulimia may be more prevalent among men than was originally thought due to the fact that most men never seek treatment for their disorder because of the fear of shame and embarrassment.

Differences of Bulimia in Women and Men

While the causes of bulimia among men and women seem primarily similar, some studies suggest that there are some differences. Women who develop this disorder tend to be very close to or of normal weight, while men who develop this disorder are typically overweight or obese.

Eating disorders also primarily affect females who are of a younger age while in men these disorders occur more commonly among men later on in life. Men also tend to engage in excessive physical activity or exercise to lose the weight as opposed to the severe forms of dieting seen among women with bulimia.

Men who are in certain occupations are also known to be more susceptible to developing bulimia which include entertainers, actors, and models, as well as certain sports which include gymnasts, swimmers, divers, wrestlers, and runners.

Society and culture often times also plays a roll among women with an eating disorder as they desire to have the "perfect body" which is portrayed in much of the media as being thin and attractive, while men tend to develop an eating disorder more from their competitive nature.

Their desire to excel in certain physical activities or sporting competitions leads them to unhealthy and even dangerous eating habits in order to perform or meet the criteria for a competition.

Causes - Why Do People Become Bulimic

The exact cause of bulimia has not yet been definitively determined, however, there are a few psychological similarities which are common among bulimics with very little difference among men and women. Having a low self esteem including a distorted image of ones body image seems to be a primary factor among individuals with bulimia.

They tend to obsess over their weight and always feel the need to lose more even when being of normal weight or underweight. Other factors often include obsessive compulsive disorders and emotional problems such as depression anxiety.

Another commonality among people with eating disorders is that they tend to be perfectionists and over achievers often with a very high level of intelligence. In some cases the family environment of these individuals is one of over emphasis on achievements and extreme criticism. Studies have also shown that many individuals who have developed this disorder also face issues with gender identity and sexual orientation.

One of the clinical studies which were conducted among men who were clinically diagnosed with bulimia showed that forty two percent of them were homosexuals. It is essential to understand that bulimia is an eating disorder that affects both men and women and when left untreated is a life threatening illness, however, with professional counseling it is a very treatable condition in which many individuals experience a full recovery.