Welcome to Minorities and Men!
Hello! I am thrilled to be able to discuss eating disorders, body image, the media, weight, and dieting practices as it affects minority populations and men.
Research has clearly recognized that eating disorders affect people irrespective of ethnicity, gender, race, socioeconomic status or sexual orientation. Our job now is to talk about the issues that are facing us today, in order to better address them.
In years past, issues of eating disorders have not been openly discussed among men and many minority groups. Now slowly, (I mean really slowly) this conversation has begun. Often it is assumed that certain ethnic minorities or men are protected from eating disorder symptoms by virtue of their minority or male status. We know this not to be true.
I will ask now, and as we go along for your ideas. Hopefully we will have a great discussion! Welcome!
My husband is bulimic & has been for about 9 years now. It's been very frustrating trying to find information relating to men with EDs. I really would appreciate any sort of feedback/suggestions anyone can provide. Because he doesn't have a problem, you know.
Posted by: myrtle | June 24, 2008 at 01:12 PM
I am sorry to hear of your situation, and I hope that things improve. I cannot provide specifics as I am not his providing care, but do have general suggestions. It is important that caretakers and family members are able to get the support they need during these stressful period.
It would seem part of what makes this disorder hard for men to admit they are suffering from is denial, embarrassment, and a feeling that they are suffering from a "woman's disorder."
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) http://www.nami.org is a wonderful resource and often has groups for families.
National Eating Disorders Associations also has a hotline to help families find treatment in their area. 1-800-931-2237.
Their website also features information about Men with eating disorders. http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/information-resources/men-and-boys.php
There are also books about the struggle of eating disorders in men such as: The Invisible Man (Morgan), The Good Eater (Saxen), and Adonis Complex (Pope), and Making Weight (Andersen).
Good luck, I hope this helps.
Posted by: Leslie Murray, MD, MPH | June 27, 2008 at 10:29 AM