Eating Disorders are more common in boys and men than is generally known. About 30 percent of all those suffering from an Eating Disorder are male. Males generally have similar symptoms to females, particularly those with Anorexia. Males with Bulimia often use running as a compensatory mechanism, but many also purge. Binge Eating Disorder is almost as common in males as females. The treatment for men is similar to that of women.
Eating Disorders in Athletes
The world of athletics, whether middle-school PE, college-level competitive, or purely recreational, can often present an increased challenge to someone who is either experiencing an Eating Disorder, or perhaps has a predisposition for an Eating Disorder.
Signs of an Eating Disoder in Athletes
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Exercise is commonly abused as a means of compensatory behavior
- The focus of e xercise moves from enjoyment of the activity towards an obsession with reducing calorie intake or re-shaping the body
Athletes who have experienced this shift in focus should take the time to consider the cost, and to seek treatment. Unfortunately, exercise concurrent with Eating Disorder behaviors (restricting food, purging, binging, etc.) is medically dangerous. These behaviors cause injury to the heart and cardiovascular system, and the body is functioning on severely decreased or imbalanced energy, vitamin, and mineral sources.
Eating Disorders Treatment
Athletes suffering from an Eating Disorder will be best served by a multi-disciplinary treatment team consisting of clinicians and medical doctors specifically trained to support healing of the mind and body. CCED is able to offer this Eating Disorder Support team to all clients.