Eating Disorders in Adolescent Males

Seth BlakesleeAdolescent Psychology

An Alarming Trend

Eating DisordersPsychological disorder characterized by

abnormal or disturbed eating habitsAnorexia NervosaBulimiaMuscle Dysmorphia

Anorexia NervosaIntense fear related to gaining weight

Adolescent Males approx. 10 – 15% of those suffering from the disorder

Refusal to eat – extreme emaciationMetabolic changes, thyroid difficulty, heart

abnormalitiesMortality rate is as high as 15% (highest

mortality rate among mental disorders)

Bulimia“Binge and Purge”Common among athletes in sports where

weight is a concern (i.e. wrestling)Weight fluctuationsVomiting, laxative use, excessive exercise,

periods of starvationLess recognizable by physical appearance

Muscle DysmorphiaGrowing in prevalenceExcessive preoccupation with body size,

muscularityBMI, body fat

Warning SignsWeight fluctuationExcessive exerciseDressing in layers (trying to hide body)Health problems (heart)

At-Risk GroupsAthletesMental disordersFamily issuesStudents questioning sexual identity

Eating disorder may lead to decreased libido

CausesLanguage biasIdeal male image in media

GI JoeMagic Mike

Peer Pressure1997 survey of high school athletes:

Do you want to be bigger?Football – 80% yesCross Country – 43% yes

InterventionsMedical treatmentCounseling

Group therapy/ Rehabilitation centers

PreventionIncreased attention to non-physical

definitions of “manliness”Working with coaches to emphasize health

before fitness or appearanceGive students healthy avenues for control

ResourcesSchool counselorNutritionistAthletic trainerCoaches

ReferencesEating disorders on the rise in teen boys [Television

series episode]. (2012). In TODAY. NBC. Retrieved from http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/46495231

Ray, S. L. (2004). Eating disorders in adolescent males.Professional School Counseling, 8(1), 98.

Rosselli, F., May, A. M., & Striegel-Moore, R. H. (2007). Ethnic differences in weight control practices among u.s. adolescents from 1995 to 2005. International Journal of Eating Disorders

Stout, E. J. (2004). Body image disorder in adolescent males: Strategies for school counselors. Professional School Counseling, 8(21), 176.