For example, a man with anorexia may only eat low-calorie foods, such as lettuce, celery, and carrots. He may also limit his food intake by eating extremely small servings, or by staying within a rigid calorie limit, such as 800 calories per day. You might also notice that he avoids eating around people. Someone who is bulimic might exhibit unhealthy eating patterns by eating large amounts of food, but never seeming to gain weight. However, people with bulimia are more likely to binge in secret than in front of other people, so you might never see this behavior. Pay attention to whether or not he goes to the bathroom immediately after eating. Watch for excessive overeating in men with binge-eating disorder. Men who have binge-eating disorder may eat to excess on a regular basis. They may eat this way even if they are not hungry.
For example, if a man who is a healthy weight drops 20 pounds in one month, then this would be cause for concern. Pay attention to signs of weight loss, such as looser fitting clothing, a more pronounced bone structure, or claims of significant weight loss.
Reflect on how often the person talks about weight loss, nutrition, and exercise. Do the person’s comments seem healthy or obsessive? How much of his time do these topics seem to occupy? For example, you might have a friend who tells you about a new diet or exercise program he learned about every time you see him. He might talk about nothing but dieting and exercise when you are together.
Pay attention to how often this may talks about or seems focused on his body. Does this preoccupation interfere with his life or relationships? Has he stopped engaging in other interests because of his preoccupation with his body? If so, then he may have an eating disorder.
Consider how much time he devotes to exercise. If he is devoting an unreasonable amount of time to exercise every day, then this can be a good indication that he may have an eating disorder.
Consider any drug use that you have noticed in the person.
For example, if he has a parent or sibling who had an eating disorder, then he is at a higher risk of developing one himself. Likewise, having a parent or sibling who suffered from depression or an anxiety disorder may also put him at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder.
For example, a man who has an anxiety disorder or depression may be more likely to develop and eating disorder. High stress levels can increase a man’s risk of developing an eating disorder as well. Pay attention to stressors such as a difficult job, financial troubles, and relationship issues. A history of abuse or alcoholism can also increase the risk of developing an eating disorder in some men, so consider these factors as well. [10] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If he is involved in a sport, then consider whether this may be putting pressure on him and increasing his desire to be thin.
Do not use sexual orientation as evidence that a man may have an eating disorder, but recognize that there may be a higher risk for a man to develop an eating disorder if he is gay.
Having a BMI that is less than 18. 5. Having an intense fear of weight gain. Incessantly reducing caloric intake (such as an intake of 300-500 kcal per day). Engaging in compulsive physical activity. Refusing to maintain a healthy weight. Denying that he is underweight. Binging and purging by self-induced vomiting and laxative abuse. Relying on weight loss and food restriction for self-esteem. Being suicidal. Withdrawing from social interaction and failure to fulfill academic or career potential.
BMI in the normal or overweight range between 18. 5 and 30. Basing sense of self-worth on body weight and shape. A persistent sore throat. Swollen cheeks caused by swollen glands in the neck. Weakened tooth enamel. Acid reflux. Dehydration and/or electrolyte imbalance. Upset stomach from laxative use. Having a significantly elevated risk for mortality due to complications of the disorder and suicidal tendencies. Reducing social-life activities.
Eating large amounts of food quickly. Eating more than a reasonable amount of food in one sitting, such as an entire large pizza or a large bag of chips. Eating an amount that makes the person feel uncomfortably full or even sick. Sneaking food and eating in secret. Trying to diet but often losing no weight. Feeling stressed, guilty, or ashamed about binges.
Try saying something like, “I have noticed some things about your eating habits and preoccupation with your weight that are making me concerned. I care about you and I want to help. Would you consider talking to a doctor about this?” There are also in-patient rehabilitation centers that deal specifically with eating disorders. You may consider helping the person find more information on these treatment centers. If you think that you may have an eating disorder, then seek help for yourself. Talk with a trusted friend or family member about the problem and ask for help getting treatment. You may also call your family doctor and set up an appointment to discuss what has been going on.
