Eating Disorders in Males: How Primary Care Providers Can Improve Recognition, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Abstract

Eating disorders are complex and multifactorial illnesses that affect a broad spectrum of individuals across the life span. Contrary to historic societal beliefs, this disorder is not gender-specific. Lifetime prevalence of eating disorders in males is on the rise and demanding the attention of primary care providers, as well as the general population, in order to negate the potentially life-threatening complications. Current literature has continued to reinforce the notion that eating disorders predominately affect females by excluding males from research, thereby adding to the void in men-centered knowledge and targeted clinical care. To determine what is currently known about eating disorders among males, a scoping review was undertaken, which identified 15 empirical studies that focused on this topic. Using the Garrard matrix to extract and synthesize the findings across these studies, this scoping review provides an overview of the contributing and constituting factors of eating disorders in males by exploring the associated stigmas, risk factors, experiences of men diagnosed with an eating disorder, and differing clinical presentations. The synthesized evidence is utilized to discuss clinical recommendations for primary care providers, inclusive of male-specific treatment plans, as a means to improving care for this poorly understood and emerging men’s health issue.

The Association Between Abnormal Eating Behaviors, Body Mass Index, and Waist-to-Height Ratio Among University Students in Malaysia

“…14 A review of research concluded that although women seem to be at greater risk of developing eating disorders, the prevalence of such a problem is increasing among males, highlighting the importance of evaluating eating disorders among males as well. 15,16 Our study showed a significant positive association between abnormal eating behaviors based on the EAT-26 score, BMI, and waist-to-height ratio. However, abnormal eating behaviors did not appear to be significantly related to age, weight, height, and waist circumference.…”

The prevalence of feeding and eating disorders symptomology in medical students: an updated systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

“…However, our review showed that both male students are at a comparable risk of FEDs symptoms compared to females. FEDs has long been thought to be a disease that mainly affects early teenage girls; nevertheless, the frequency of FEDs in men is on the rise, requiring care providers' attention to battle these complicated biopsychological diseases [ 103 ]. The stigma associated with male FEDs is a significant concern.…”

Eating Disorders and the Use of Cognitive Enhancers and Psychostimulants Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

“… 11 , 12 The current stereotypical image of ED as a disease of females only causes ED to be under-diagnosed and under-treated in men. 40 , 41 Furthermore, the stigma towards individuals with ED makes male patients feel ashamed and isolated. 41 Males are less likely to seek psychological consultation than females.…”

“… 40 , 41 Furthermore, the stigma towards individuals with ED makes male patients feel ashamed and isolated. 41 Males are less likely to seek psychological consultation than females. 42 , 43 Unfortunately, this delay in diagnosis could devastate psychiatric morbidity, leading to life-threatening conditions.…”