Eating Disorders

• What is an Eating Disorder?
• Warning Signs
• Types of Eating Disorders
• Risk Factors
• Classifying Eating Disorders
• Disordered Eating
• Dieting
• Eating Disorders and Children
• Eating Disorders and Adolescents
• Eating Disorders and Males
  • Prevalence
  • How Males Are Affected
  • Why Males Don’t Seek Help
  • Reasons for Concern
  • How We Can Help
• Eating Disorders and Older People
• If You Think You May Have an Eating Disorder
• Treatment Information
• For Health Professionals
• Eating Disorders and Other Health Problems

The high prevalence of undiagnosed cases of males with eating disorders presents a dangerous landscape for those resisting the psychological and medical help they need for recovery. While eating disorders vary in their severity, the physical and psychological impacts of an eating disorder have an extensive impact on a person’s wellbeing, and tend to worsen the longer an eating disorder goes undiagnosed and untreated; hence the importance of seeking help as soon as a problem is recognised.

Although some men recover, many do not because they do not get help. The treatment and recovery process is different for every individual and can include medical, nutritional and psychological therapy depending on their relevance. It is important to seek professionals with experience, interest and expertise in care and treatment of eating disorders.

Last Updated: February 2009