Did you know…
In the United States 30 million people suffer from an eating disorder
And did you know…
15 – 20 % of eating disorders are seen in males
But did you know…
42% of men with an eating disorder identify as gay Even though gay men make up only 5% of the male population
This overrepresentation can be the result of the emphasis on body image in gay culture
Gay men are more likely to sexually objectify their bodies than heterosexual men and lesbian women
And internalized homophobia may constitute for low self-esteem associated with an eating disorder
56% of homosexual men say they are dissatisfied with their bodies
What can we do?
More research to identify the differences in eating disorders between men and women
And treatment options designed specifically for men in this culture
Clinicians need to learn to recognize the signs
And we need to recognize the signs
Within ourselves And within each other
Bibliography Dilts, Jason. "Eating Disorders: The Gay Connection." The Gay and Lesbian Review Worldwide 18.4 (2011): July Web. 14 Dec Feldman, Matthew B., PhD, and Ilan H. Meyer, PhD. "Eating Disorders in Diverse Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Populations." International Journal of Eating Disorders 40.3 (2007): Wiley Online Library. Web. 14 Dec Gibson, Rachel. "Study Links Gays, Eating Disorders." The Age [Melbourne, Australia] 26 July 1999, late ed., News sec.: 4. LexisNexis Academic. Web. 14 Dec Jackson, Catherine, DO. "Exploration of Factors Associated with Eating Disorders in Gay Men." (2008): n. pag. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Web. 14 Dec Siconolfi, Daniel, and Halkitis N. Perry. "Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorders in a Sample of Gay and Bisexual Men." International Journal of Men's Health 8.3 (2009): ProQuest. Men's Studies Press, Fall Web. 15 Dec