ANDl International Day to Fight Eating Disorders It is celebrated every November 30 to raise awareness about the prevalence of these disorders, banish associated stigmas, and promote understanding and support for those struggling with these conditions.
The date seeks to highlight the urgent need to address eating disorders as serious and challenging mental health problems, affecting individuals of all ages, genders and cultural backgrounds.
In particular, it has been recorded a dramatic increase in eating disorders among men, especially adolescents and young adults. Hospitalization rates for people with these disorders have doubled in certain demographic groups, challenging the misconception that eating disorders predominantly affect women.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, approximately one-third of people with eating disorders are men, and It is estimated that 10 million American men will be affected at some point in their lives. Delfino Camacho, an El Camino College student and editor-in-chief of the college’s newspaper, shares his personal experience in this battle.
A decade ago, Camacho’s college experience was marred by an eating disorder that led to an unhealthy obsession with achieving a healthier lifestyle. Although he was never formally diagnosed, he believes he suffered from anorexia nervosa, accompanied by episodes of bulimia. Appearance-related peer pressure and relentless bullying due to his weight in high school contributed to his struggle.
There are many stigmas around eating disorders.
The pandemic, according to Dr. Stuart Murray, director of the USC Eating Disorders Program, has significantly intensified these disorders, now considered among the most lethal psychiatric conditions. Stigma surrounding eating disorders deters many men and boys from seeking treatment. Dr. Murray points out that most of his patients have hidden their disorders from him for years before seeking help.
The National Eating Disorders Association reports that behaviors associated with eating disorders, such as binge eating, purging, laxative abuse, and fasting for weight control, are just as common in men as women. Dr. Murray highlights the importance of addressing these stigmas to ensure men feel comfortable seeking help.
In an effort to address the rise of eating disorders in young men, a combination treatment program called BEAT (Binge-eating Adolescent Treatment) has been initiated. This program, designed for youth ages 14 to 24 with loss of eating control (LOC), combines face-to-face psychotherapy with the accessibility and flexibility of structured online self-help.
The WHO provides general guidelines on how to help someone with an eating disorder. It is important to note that these are general recommendations, and it is recommended that you seek specific guidance from healthcare professionals in individual situations.
Here are some suggestions based on information from the WHO:
Educate yourself about eating disorders: Learning about eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders, can help you better understand the situation.
Encourage open communication: Talk to the person openly and compassionately. It is essential to express concern without judging or criticizing.
Seek professional help: Encourage the person to seek help from mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, or dietitians who specialize in eating disorders.
Offer emotional support: Provide constant emotional support. Listen without judging, show empathy, and encourage the person to express their feelings and concerns.
Avoid negative comments about physical appearance: Avoid making comments about the person’s weight, physical appearance, or eating habits, as this can increase anxiety and guilt.
Promote a healthy environment: Collaborate in creating an environment that encourages healthy eating habits.
Keep reading:
- Overindulging in ultra-processed foods can lead to stomach cancer: study
- Amazon will now have a virtual medical consultation service
- Woman shared herpes diagnosis on secret TikTok account, but 10 million people saw it