Treating men with eating disorders in the NHS

Abstract

Eating disorders are becoming increasingly common in men and can affect men at any age. However, research in this area remains scarce. This article explores the experiences of this group of men and considers whether they have differing care needs to those of women, and the potential implications of this for practice. These include the role of shame and stigma, risk assessment and the treatment environment. The authors highlight the importance of undertaking ongoing research in this area to provide evidence for the most effective and appropriate treatment for men with eating disorders.

“It’s a Touchy Subject”: Service Providers’ Perspectives of Eating Disorders in Men and Boys

“…This invisibility of eating disorder in men does not mean that they do not suffer from eating disorders, but instead emphasizes the invisibility of the illness to professionals and individuals who “have to first think of it as a possibility” (Andersen, 1990, p. 133). Poor awareness of men’s experience has led to a complete dissociation of men from the field of eating disorders (Dalgliesh & Nutt, 2013). The results of this study further emphasize that there seems to be a parallel process of invisibility not only to the health professional who treats him, but also to the man himself, thus highlighting the need for resources and awareness materials to continue to target men themselves (Richardson & Paslakis, 2021).…”

An overview of anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating disorder

“…Although there is little evidence for school-based interventions to prevent EDs, there are still a number of measures that can be taken, particularly within families, to help children and young people who have been identified as at risk of developing an eating disorder (Shiltz, 2002;Dagliesh and Nutt, 2013;Fairburn, 2013): n Body shape must never be emphasized as an indication of a person's worth n Children and young people must be taught about nutrition, positive body image, and healthy physical activities n Education and awareness training through health promotion, training on ED and public health campaigns n Families must be guided through challenges of growth and individualisation. It is important that families promote self-esteem and encourage their children to find healthy ways to manage unpleasant feelings such as stress, depression, anger, loneliness, self-loathing, and avoid power struggles about eating by focusing on feelings and relationships not weight and food (Jongsma and Bruce, 2012;Smith et al, 2014).…”