Considerations and Factors that Impact Eating Disorders in Males: A Literature Review

Abstract

his paper explores numerous published articles that report on results from research exploring the differences between men with eating disorders and women with eating disorders. Many treatment centers have not adapted their approaches or recognized the gender differences that exist. This paper examines the gender differences between males and females with eating by examining the societal stigmas and gender-based issues that males face, including body image, trauma, chemical dependency, and social media. Many of the eating disorder instruments highlight these differences, and a male-specific approach to treatment should be considered to fully understand and recognize the barriers males with eating disorders face.