Because the incidence of eating disorders in women greatly outweighs the number of cases in men, it is widely believed that men are not affected by them. This is a serious misconception. Millions of male sufferers remain without support and treatment because they are reluctant to admit to the problem – possibly due to the fear of seeking help for a 'female problem'.
Men are taught from childhood to 'be in control'. Seeking help is therefore seen as a sign of weakness for men. Men can turn to eating disordered behavior as a coping mechanism to handle uncomfortable feelings they are not at liberty to express.
Physicians are unlikely to suspect an eating disorder as a primary cause of weight loss in male patients, but look for other, physical causes instead. In fact, the diagnosis of an eating disorder in men takes approximately twice as long as in women, increasing the risk of associated problems and organ damage.
In women, the cessation of menstruation often alerts professionals to an eating disorder. The lowering of testosterone levels and the decrease in sexual libido, which often goes unreported, is often overlooked as a possible result of an eating disorder in men. Bulimia may also be overlooked as overeating in men is less likely to cause concern than in women.
Many of the underlying issues that contribute to an eating disorder, including low self esteem, depression, feeling of loss of control, abuse, identity concerns, inability to cope with emotions and family communication problems, are the same for both men and women. However, there are some variations in certain eating disordered issues that manifest themselves differently in men. Men with eating disorders tend to be more concerned with body size and shape, whereas women with eating disorders are more concerned with weight.
Society’s attitude to the male body has changed in recent years – as it has to women. The ideal shape for a woman is now perceived as almost anorexically thin, whereas a man is expected to have a ‘six pack’ and sharply defined musculature. Men are therefore becoming as body obsessed as women. Over 25% of all cosmetic surgery procedures are now carried out on men. They no longer work out at the gym for health reasons, but to achieve what is perceived to be the perfect body.
At Sovereign Health of California, we have treatment programs designed to cater for both men and women. Our treatment program, involves an initial evaluation by our highly experienced treatment team, which will uncover any underlying issues that may be contributing to the addiction. An individually tailored treatment program will then be designed specifically to meet the needs of the individual. Our program combines traditional clinical treatments with alternative holistic therapies, designed to ensure our clients receive the necessary care and support to take them through treatment and on to a successful recovery.
We have comfortable, gender specific, residences situated in the picturesque, coastal community of San Clemente. Our treatment works – our success rate speaks for itself!
For a wider insight into the treatments and therapies we can offer, why not visit the 'What We Offer' page of our website. Alternatively, call us now! We have advisors available 24/7 to answer any question you may have with regard to Sovereign Health of California and all its treatment programs. We can help!
