According to NHS figures, between 2010 and 2016 has seen a 70% rise in men being admitted to hospital with an eating disorder.
NHS Digital data shows the number of hospital diagnoses in male over 19’s rose from 480 in 2010/2011 to 818 between April 2015 and March 2016.
This increase was slightly higher in older men, there may be a link with the use of anabolic steroid use and younger people since usage of the drug has quadrupled last year. 19,000 males between the ages of 16 and 24 are taking it.
(Image: LinkedIn)
So, why is this? Experts believe it may to do with modern pop culture and social media. There appears to be a lot of pressure on young men to look good which could be linked to its rise in usage.
However, it may not be the only link to eating disorders, as heightened awareness on the issue has resulted in long term sufferers coming forward.
When speaking to The Guardian, Dr William Rhys Jones, of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ eating disorders faculty said the following:
“Pressure for body perfection is on the rise for men of all ages, which is a risk factor for developing an eating disorder.
Images of unhealthy male body ideals in the media place unnecessary pressure on vulnerable people who strive for acceptance through the way they look.
“We must continue to address the ongoing gender bias around eating disorders so every man who is suffering feels comfortable to get help when they need it.”
As you can see, he goes on to emphasise the need to challenge the stigma surrounding men when it comes to eating disorders. A lot of people apparently still see the disorder as a “female-only” illness.
While there is a concern about this growing obsession with “body perfection”, there’s also worries about access to treatment for the high number of men and women that need it.
Figures from 2016 are showing that patients may have to wait up to 182 days before they can receive treatment.
Source: The Guardian