Eating Disorders in Men Becoming a Serious Problem

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According to a number of recently released studies, the amount of eating disorders affecting men -- also known as “manorexia” -- has substantially increased over the last few years. This, according to experts, is the direct result of men beginning to feel the pressure to develop an ideal body type – something women have been dealing with for years.

As per recent figures released by the British Health Services (NHS), a 66 percent increase in hospital admissions in England for male eating disorders has occurred over the last 10 years. Further, according to The Daily Mail, approximately 1.6 million individuals in the U.K. suffer from either anorexia or bulimia – one-fifth of which are men.

“The pressure these days on guys to have the perfect figure is very similar to that which has and continues to affect women,” a spokeswoman from NHS said. “It's all about losing body fat and getting a six pack, and it comes from the way the male shape is portrayed.”

Much like women before them, men are beginning to try to emulate what they are seeing on television and in magazines.

“Exercise is a major factor with eating disorders in men in particular. They become obsessed with exercising every single day, if not more, and it can take over their life without them realizing there may be a more deep-seated reason behind it,” the spokeswoman added. “That is when it becomes an eating disorder.”

The fact that men are often so reluctant to discuss their health only adds to the problem. When not spotted initially, manorexia can be taken to much more serious levels than many would believe.

As per the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders: “Eating disorders have reached epidemic levels in America,” affecting up to 10 million women and 1 million men.