I first heard the term “manorexia” in an online magazine.The writer used the term as if it was a medical term, describing men struggling with body image, restrictive dieting, and low body mass index.While I did not know much about eating disorders at the time, I did not understand how someone associated the word “anorexia,” rooted in Greek for “without appetite” with females.The word itself is not gender-specific, yet this new hipster-esque term labeled itself as men’s anorexia.After entering treatment and learning a bit about eating disorders, I still am dumbfounded by why people feel they need to qualify men with anorexia as having “manorexia.”It makes anorexia seem like a women’s illness, which is inaccurate.
According to The National Eating Disorder Association, “10 million men will suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life,” and although those are statistics for eating disorders in general, they include anorexia.While the statistics are higher for women, it is irresponsible to denote the struggle of men with eating disorders.
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This may be largely due to the assumption that eating disorders are caused by societal pressures on women to be thin.While these expectations play a role in the development of eating disorders, they do not cause them.Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses often dealing with genetics, perfectionism, anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, and the desire for control over one’s life.Obviously, these are not exclusively “female problems.”If men struggle with the factors that contribute to the development of eating disorders, then they are at risk for eating disorders.Assuming that men cannot have eating disorders is dangerous as it may deter men who are struggling from seeking help.
According to the National Disorder Association, death is more prevalent in males with eating disorders than their female counterparts.This could be attributed to misdiagnoses, shame, or denial.If the media portrays eating disorders as a “women’s problem,” doctors are more likely to overlook symptoms related to eating disorders, parents are less likely to notice disordered eating habits in their sons, and men may be hesitant to discuss their body images issues or having an unhealthy relationship with food.
It is important to understand that eating disorders are not gender-specific illnesses. Eating disorders can be deadly, especially when the sufferer does not seek help. Hopefully, with more awareness, men will feel more comfortable disclosing their eating disorders and going into recovery.
For more information go to https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
