Male Anorexia

Do you or your loved one suffer from male anorexia? The cause of male anorexia can be as varied as the type of people who suffer from eating disorders. Getting to the root of the cause of male anorexia is the first step toward recovery.

One factor which sets Casa Palmera apart from other recovery centers is our personal approach to resolving the underlying causes of male anorexia, instead of merely its symptoms. If you or someone you loves suffers from male anorexia, call us at Casa Palmera today.

Symptoms of Male Anorexia

Male anorexia is typically thought of as a disorder affecting only teenage girls. Recently however, there has been a steady increase in male eating disorders, namely anorexia. One might assume there would be great differences between the male and female versions of anorexia, but in fact the two are nearly identical. They each have similar levels of emotional disorders, and both men and women can suffer from osteoporosis as a result of anorexia. Common signs of anorexia include:

Complications which specifically affect male anorexia include the fact that men with anorexia lose more muscle and tissue than women, who will instead lose body fat. The fact that muscle and tissue is more often lost in men is very detrimental to the body. This makes male anorexia far more dangerous than most cases of female anorexia.

Causes of Male Anorexia

Is male anorexia caused by anything? Four possible factors include:

Genetics – If someone in your immediate family has struggled with anorexia, then your chances of developing the disorder increase greatly. Also, certain personality types are more likely to develop eating disorders than others. For example, perfectionists are more likely to develop an eating disorder than their counterparts.  In fact, perfectionism is the leading cause of male anorexia. Perfectionism leads to the desire to be right, accepted, and in control – all of which can be the primary causes of male anorexia. The cause of male anorexia in perfectionists is the actual desire to reach perfection and the erroneous belief that being thin, or perfect, will lead to happiness. High anxiety levels, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and depression are also possible causes of male anorexia.

Brain Activity – Further research has indicated that another cause of male anorexia can be traced back to the brain’s dopamine receptors, which regulate pleasure. When a male with anorexia under eats, the brain dispenses feelings of euphoria. In this way food is used a type of anti-depressant as it relieves any anxious thoughts.

Family – Another emotional factor which causes male anorexia is the presence of family issues. Some males with eating disorders report feeling smothered by their families. Yet others felt abandoned and misunderstood. Still more had parents who overemphasized their physical appearances. In these families, the cause of the male anorexia is the fact that the individual learned to keep doubts, fears, anxieties and imperfections hidden.

Society – Cultural pressures to be thin and the portrayal of thin individuals on television are also underlying causes of male anorexia. The continual barrage of ads containing thin, happy people inevitably sends the message that happiness can only be found by being thin.

How We Can Help

At Casa Palmera, the causes of male anorexia are addressed through education and building self-esteem. Education, combined with a holistic approach and a strong aftercare program makes Casa Palmera the right place for eating disorder treatment.

We at Casa Palmera believe in treating your physical symptoms as well as any emotional turmoil in your life. Any underlying issues you may be struggling with are looked at closely and resolved through our treatment plan. By addressing these underlying issues, you become a healthier, well rounded individual. Also, by eradicating the cause of the male anorexia, the male is less likely to fall back into a vicious eating disorder cycle.