WHAT ABOUT MEN AND BULIMIA?

Anyone can develop bulimia. Bulimia doesn't discriminate according to your shape, size, age, race, ethnicity, gender, or income.

Most eating disorders are much more common in women and girls than in men and boys. Studies have shown that males accounted for roughly 10% of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa eating disorder patients. Previous studies showed the number of men struggling with bulimia nervosa is higher than the number of men who struggle with anorexia nervosa.

However, even these statistics may be understated because men tend to be more reluctant to seek help.

With today's research, this percentage is much higher; although, statistics may not be accurate, as men tend to be more reluctant to look for help.

Some men don't recognize their symptoms as an eating disorder and don't reach out for help. Also, some men don't realize that their relationship with food affects other areas of their life or see that how they think and feel about themselves is causing their issues with food.

They aren't painfully thin and may think that men don't get eating disorders. But men have body issue challenges that can contribute to developing bulimia.

Many famous men have admitted to having bulimia, such as:

Elton John – We all know Elton!

Andrew Flintoff – Former England cricket captain

Richard Simmons – American fitness instructor and TV personality

Shane Dawson – American YouTube personality

Rory Bremner – British impressionist

And the list goes on.

Men develop bulimia for the same reason as women, but with added pressure.

Men appear to become bulimic for the same kind of reasons women do, with the added pressure to appear strong, independent, and in control.

Bulimia was only recognized as an eating disorder in its own right in 1979. So, there's still a stigma that surrounds any eating disorder, making it difficult for someone to get help. But it seems particularly difficult for men to admit they have an eating disorder, let alone reach out for support.

If you're a man with bulimia, asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, but incredible strength and courage. There's no shame in having bulimia. But avoiding looking for help could lead to severe, long-term health issues.

So, let's get talking about this and open up to how you're thinking and feeling. This course is for all the males out there with bulimia as well as the females.

Follow each step right through to the end and begin learning about what makes you tick and how you can free yourself from bulimia once and for all.