How to Treat Bulimia in Men

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:TreatBulimiaMen
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How to Treat Bulimia in Men

Introduction

Estimates conclude that more than 1 million men suffer from bulimia nervosa per year. Bulimia is an eating disorder in which sufferers try to control their body weight. They often go through cycles of binge eating and purging. Due to the fact that bulimia is characteristically a disease that affects women, there is a stigma surrounding men and bulimia that may make the disorder more difficult to treat.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Research Ways to Treat Bulimia in Men

Steps

1

Step One

Learn about eating disorders like bulimia in men by reading "The Adonis Complex: How to Identify, Treat and Prevent Body Obsession in Men and Boys" (see Resources below).
2

Step Two

Ask your doctor about your physical health, and whether or not you exhibit signs of having an eating disorder. Be honest about your eating behaviors, emotional and physical health.
3

Step Three

Get the facts about men and eating disorders in the book "Fit to Die: Men and Eating Disorders" by Anna Paterson (see Resources below). This book highlights unique difficulties men face as they work to treat bulimia and other eating disorders.
4

Step Four

Find specialized treatment facilities and providers through the National Eating Disorders Association website (see Resources below). The site also provides visitors with online referrals to free support groups and eating disorder research studies.
5

Step Five

Consider treating the depression that often accompanies bulimia with medication. Men who suffer from bulimia may have increased anxiety due to feelings of shame and guilt.
6

Step Six

Look for an eating disorder support group comprised of men. Talking about ways to treat bulimia and other eating disorders with other men who suffer is a way to find unique and creative solutions.
7

Step Seven

Visit a therapist that specializes in talking with men who have eating disorders. Therapy is used to treat bulimia and can help get to the psychological core of the disorder.

Overall Tips & Warnings

  • Understand that statistics about men and eating disorders could be misleading. The number of male bulimia sufferers could be higher than the statistics suggest, but because of the stigma surrounding bulimia in men, many bulimia patients never get treatment.
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