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Men being treated for eating disorders up 67% in the last five years

Bodywhys says the misconception that eating disorders are a ‘female issue’ can sometimes make it harder for a man to acknowledge there is a problem.

THE EATING DISORDERS Association of Ireland, Bodywhys said there has been a 67 per cent increase in the number of men being treated for an eating disorder in the last five years.

The group said that it is estimated that 10 per cent of all anorexia and bulimia cases are men, stating that it is a misconception that eating disorders only affect women.

Muscle Dysmorphia is becoming increasingly common, said the group.

This is a condition where a person with this disorder may become obsessed with the belief that they are not muscular enough.

Exercise

Often the person will engage in intensive over-exercising and other harmful behaviours in an effort to develop their physique.

While eating disorders may present somewhat differently in men, in terms of treatment and the recovery process, anyone experiencing an eating disorder needs help and support to embark on, and continue with, the journey of recovery.

It is important to remember that the earlier treatment is sought, the earlier a person may move towards recovery, said Bodwhys.

Bodywhys want to make people aware, they said, that the reality is that eating disorders affect both men and women, boys and girls.

Support

“The misconception that eating disorders are a ‘female issue’ can sometimes make it harder for a man to acknowledge it to himself or others that there is a problem of this nature. This in turn can mean that a man is less likely to seek support and help for an eating disorder or related issue,” they said.

Speaking about the eating disorders and men, Bodywhys CEO Jacinta Hastings said there is a great need to combat the stigma attached to having an eating disorder and “generate an understanding that an eating disorder is a serious mental health issue that develops for numerous reasons and is not just about food, weight and appearance, it is also of great importance to remember that people can and do recover,” she said.

Bodywhys is the national voluntary organisation supporting people affected by eating disorders. For more information visit their website here>>

Bodywhys Ireland / YouTube

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Lisa McInerney: Why are we so offhand about what’s influencing male body image?>

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25 Comments
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    Mute Sean Lynch
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    Apr 16th 2014, 8:12 PM

    I have bulimia, ..without the vomiting.

    78
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    Mute Les Rock
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    Apr 16th 2014, 8:43 PM

    You can read minds?

    62
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    Mute Steven Reid
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    Apr 17th 2014, 5:26 AM

    Thats binge eating also an eating disorder.. Most sufferers are very overweight :/

    11
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    Mute James Hughes
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    Apr 16th 2014, 8:30 PM

    Parents must take responsibility for their own kids health until they’re old enough to understand the consequences of poor nutrition.
    Would any parent knowingly give their kids diabetes ? Probably No, and yet they do in their 1000′s, due primarily to laziness and habit. The irony is that the good unprocessed food is on average cheaper, and yet some blame low household income for being obese.
    Like most problems in life responsibility for the solution must start at home.

    37
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    Mute Shanti
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    Apr 16th 2014, 9:37 PM

    That’s the thing though – the processed junk isn’t cheaper – it’s just easier.

    Anyone who makes their own meals from scratch knows that this ultimately works out cheaper than buying processed junk. But the rub is knowing what to cook and how to cook it.

    While some people will watch cookery programmes, with the exception of the likes of Jamie Oliver very few focus on stuff that is easy to make. And there are some people out there who look at cooking a healthy meal from scratch vs throwing a pizza in the oven and some chips in the deep fat fryer and they really don’t see any reason to put in the effort.

    There’s no excuse these days, there’s apps and websites and cookery programmes everywhere you look – it’s about the desire to actually do it. That’s what we need to figure out how to change.

    38
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    Mute Lex Luther
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    Apr 16th 2014, 9:53 PM

    As we speak I’m eating a healthy tasty salad. Prep time – not even 5 minutes.

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    Mute Shanti
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    Apr 16th 2014, 10:18 PM

    Exactly – if you know what you’re doing it’s really not hard, and it tastes better.. It’s just getting people motivated to move away from ready made and back to home made.

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    Mute Steven Reid
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    Apr 17th 2014, 5:30 AM

    Actually fresh organic food is much more expensive than processed or “fast” foods, Wherever your finding that information it’s illegitimate.

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    Mute Robert Zombies
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    Apr 16th 2014, 8:35 PM

    Eating disorders me hole. It’s vanity with those men. Preening themselves.

    32
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    Mute Robert Squires
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    Apr 16th 2014, 9:02 PM

    I am sure the little bo***x Fistpatrick has no problem feeding his own with good food .

    23
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    Mute me so harney
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    Apr 16th 2014, 9:22 PM

    Robert – I am as shocked and appalled as you, but, can you just wait for the trial to finish so you can comment otherwise, you’ll just about everyone to the point that they’ll dismiss you when the correct time comes.

    In the interim, there are plenty of discussion boards you can go to to vent your frustration.

    23
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    Mute Robert Squires
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    Apr 16th 2014, 9:30 PM

    Yes I know but I just don’t like censorship , if it was some poor guy lock up for not paying his tv license we could all make a comment because the journal know that the guy could not sue them one law for the big boy and the rest of us can f**k of.

    17
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    Mute me so harney
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    Apr 16th 2014, 9:35 PM

    I think its more to do with the fact that the trial is still ongoing. If someone is convicted then there is no issue with commenting.

    The problem is that there is a fear that the defence of the others could try to argue that it is not possible for them to get a fair trial due to media coverage, contents etc.

    I agree there is a serious chill effect on the irish media arising from our defamation laws but, that won’t change in time for comment on the bollix in question.

    16
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    Mute Robert Squires
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    Apr 16th 2014, 9:41 PM

    I agree but you and I know that the little bo**x Fitzpatrick will walk away with a big smile on his face as he knows to much ,and the powers at be don’t wont the people to know just what happen .

    12
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    Mute Mike O Neill
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    Apr 16th 2014, 10:00 PM

    He always had the best chance to get off, based on whistleblower evidence. However he will be back in court this year, which thejournal.ie could easily post on.

    http://m.rte.ie/news/touch//2013/0708/461236-sean-fitzpatrick-court/

    7
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    Mute Jacintha Dumbrell
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    Apr 16th 2014, 8:08 PM

    My two little fellas wont eat fruit nor veggies, apart from chips an bananna sandwiches

    17
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    Mute Sean Beep
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    Apr 16th 2014, 8:10 PM

    They must have an eating disorder *sarcasm

    40
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    Mute me so harney
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    Apr 16th 2014, 8:30 PM

    “I don’t make my children eat healthy balanced meals”

    Fixed your comment Jacinta.

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    Mute family guy
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    Apr 16th 2014, 8:32 PM

    Ever think to stop feeding them that sh1t and when they’re hungry they’ll soon eat all the fruit and veg you want. Might have a few tantrums but the right thing is rarely easy.

    87
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    Mute Buckwheat MacMillan
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    Apr 16th 2014, 8:40 PM

    With a name like Jacintha what do you expect?!

    55
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    Mute Sean Beep
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    Apr 16th 2014, 8:42 PM

    I see where you are going with that buckwheat but normal people are also called Jacinta

    22
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    Mute Jacintha Dumbrell
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    Apr 16th 2014, 8:50 PM

    Takes to long to make veggies, better ta get chipper or frozen pizza

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    Mute me so harney
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    Apr 16th 2014, 9:18 PM

    I see what you did there Jacintha – you got me. The profile is good, if a tad un-inventive. The picture is hilarious and, even funnier is the thoughts of her actually saying ‘fruit NOR veggies’ …

    Good stuff!

    36
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    Mute Giuseppe
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    Apr 17th 2014, 12:00 AM

    Is bulking and cutting a disorder?. Makingabeast syndrome ?.

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    Mute Carina Clarke
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    Apr 17th 2014, 12:47 AM

    If it’s done properly no, but some of these guys are off the wall with the way they bulk and cut. They cut in a way which causes malnutrition and uses massive amounts of caffeine( eh where’s your vegetables) then when they are finished cutting and have no idea as to the damage they are doing to their bodies they go and do a dirty bulk and start wolfing pizza. A lot of them are worried about their hearts and rightly so but it’s just doesn’t seem to be taken seriously.

    6
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