A Picture Of Anorexia In Boys And Men

Research shows that women are not the only ones to suffer from anorexia. Men are also dealing with the grueling health issue. However, a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Montreal reveals that the current state of knowledge about this problem with regards to men and boys is rather limited.

"Most of the knowledge about anorexia pertains to females. However, about 10% of persons affected are males, and we believe this figure is underestimated," said lead study author Laurence Corbeil-Serre in a news release. "Our results show that there appear to be similarities between the behavioural symptoms of males and females, but certain particularities can be identified in males, especially related to personality, gender identity, and sexual orientation."

For the study, researchers conducted a review of literature comparing 24 studies on over 15 years and involved 279 participants between the ages of 11 and 36. From this review, they identified seven relevant cited variables, either because of their recurrence in the literature or because of divergent results found in the research, and were able to identify major trends among these variables. The variables are clinical presentation, pre-existing conditions to the disorder, personality characteristics, sexual orientation and activity, gender identity, and comorbid disorders.

Those I the study presented clinically significant weight loss, with an average BMI of 16, placing them in a state of malnutrition. Yet dissatisfaction of body image among males was more related to muscle mass-a motivation that can be associated with social norms of male beauty.

"Moreover, excessive physical exercise is far ahead of rituals around food and vomiting in the list of strategies used to lose weight and the behaviours associated with anorexia nervosa," added Corbeil-Serre.

The researchers also note that the rate of homosexuality among participants was much higher than in the general population. However, researchers concluded that as their hypotheses are not supported empirically, that they must be submitted to further investigation.

"In light of the findings from this review, it seems all the more necessary to carry out further in-depth studies with boys with anorexia, by better defining the variables under study and improving methodological rigour", they concluded.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Neuropsychiatrie de l'enfance et de l'adolescence.