Effects Of Anorexia Nervosa In Men
Concern For The Male Eating Disorder

The effects of anorexia nervosa are similar in men and women with regards to muscle atrophy and brittle bones, but male anorexia should be just as much of a concern. In some ways, men may have a more difficult time dealing with their illness.

Both men and women can experience one or more disorders in addition to anorexia.

In medical terms, thesed are known as co-occurring disorders, or co mobidity. For example, someone may suffer anorexia and depression (which is quite common), or anorexia and anxiety attack symptoms, and so on.

Effects Of Anorexia Nervosa

However, some studies have shown that men are more apt to silently suffer the effects of anorexia nervosa, and are less likely to come forward and seek help for their eating disorder.

There are a couple of theories on this that stand out to me. First, they could be ashamed of being diagnosed with what's commonly known as a "female's disease".

Second, they fear that they'll be labeled as "being gay". The correlation between anorexia and sexual orientation is currently a subject of debate.

Some studies show that a high percentage of men with anorexia are indeed homosexual.

However, I wonder if those numbers are high because homosexual men are simply more likely to come forward than other men. There's definitely room for more detailed research in this area.

Effects Of Anorexia Nervosa - Diagnosis

Even if a man finally comes to terms with the fact that he may be suffering the effects of anorexia nervosa, and is brave enough to seek help, it could still be a long road.

There's a good chance that many doctors are not necessarily looking for men with eating disorders.

The signs and symptoms of anorexia that he mentions to his physician might be mistaken for some other illness or disease. This could result in having to endure several medical tests that might not be necessary.

I'm not saying that this happens in the majority of cases. In fact, it's probably rare, but it is something to keep in mind.

I think men (like the rest of us) need to be ready to stand strong and trust their instincts. In other words - if you suspect that you may have an eating disorder, then hopefully your doctor will take those concerns seriously and proceed accordingly.

Muscle Atrophy - One Of The Effects Of Anorexia Nervosa

One of the dangers of anorexia is that some folks (male or female) can be seriously ill, but still look relatively "healthy".

It might even be difficult to notice anorexia in men because in a lot of cases, men can be thin but still have some visible muscle mass.

It's pretty much a fact that women genetically have a higher percentage of body fat than men.

This is critical when trying to understand the effects of anorexia nervosa in males.

Because there isn't as much fat to lose, by the time a male reaches his lowest weight range, he has already lost more muscle and tissue than a female in the same situation.

This is known as muscle atrophy and it can have some serious medical implications for every muscle in the body - including the heart.

Anorexia can have a profound effect on men, both physically and emotionally. There are also additional challenges when it comes to treatment for anorexia nervosa.

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