Life as a Male 'Anorexic'

Abstract

Information surrounding male anorexia and bulimia nervosa is limited. Currently, health promoters and practitioners in this field have little to guide them apart from the data that informs female anorexia and bulimia nervosa. This paper is based on in-depth interviews with past and present eating disordered men. Using life historical accounts, the men provide rich descriptive information to document their plight with body image concerns and eating disorders. The paper provides insight into the lives of male anorexia and bulimia nervosa sufferers. Further it attempts to draw on their perceptions of what it is like being a male with a disorder that is often perceived as being a female phenomenon. The paper also explores the issues surrounding men and body image in contemporary Western culture. It highlights some of the significant issues confronting men and boys in relation to the social construction of masculinity and the links with body image concerns and eating disorders. Although the paper is not grounded in practitioner based information, it does seek to arouse awareness in those working in this emerging field of study.