7 Healthcast: Male eating disorders

Eating disorders don't just affect girls, according to the National Eating Disorders Association, nearly a million American boys and men struggle with anorexia and bulimia.

"We're not expecting to see it in boys," Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, teen health expert, said. "So, the boys might get diagnosed at a later stage, which can make treatment more difficult."

Neumark-Sztainer says eating disorders among boys and young men are on the rise, and it's not just because they're trying to lose weight.

"One of the things that we think is happening with young men is that they're being influenced by the media images which are portraying very large muscles," Neumark-Sztainer said.

She points to men's health magazines and even action figures as strong influences.

"You wonder what effect this is having on young boys who are playing with these toys," Neumark-Sztainer said.

The National Eating Disorders Association says signs of an eating problem in boys and girls may include drastic weight loss, preoccupation with counting calories, excessive exercise, avoiding meals, taking laxatives or smoking to curb appetite.

Related link:
National Eating Disorders Association

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