This fantastic new infographic from the National Eating Disorders Association explains a few of the little-known facts about how eating disorders affect men, specifically. Because we know the poster may be hard to read at this size, some of the content is transcribed below:
Notable factors:
Muscularity in the media: The muscularity of ideal male body representation has increased from the 1970s to the 1990s, presenting a largely unattainable muscular body type.
Less likely to get help: Higher levels of gender role conflict and traditional masculine ideals are associated with negative attitudes toward seeking psychological help.
Sexuality: Gay males are estimated to coprise 5% of the general population, but among men wiht eating disorders, 42% identify as gay.
Health Impacts:
33% of adolescent males use unhealthy weight control behaviors.
37% of men who binge eat experience depression.
43% of men are dissatisfied with their bodies.
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is coming up February 24th – March 2nd. If you need information or a referral, please call 800.931.2237 and visit the NEDA website at nedawareness.org.