It's pretty well hidden from the public gaze but male eating disorders have grown massively over the last decade, a rise of up to 66%. Meanwhile, figures used to state that around 10% of sufferers were male, but it is now reported by some studies to be to be closer to 25%.
Researchers have examined the effects of eating disorders from a clinical perspective, but very little research has been done where men have been asked about their own experiences of everyday living with an eating disorder.
Now men over 18 who suffer from Anorexia Nervosa or similar types of illness are being urged to take part in a study being done at the University of Salford investigating their experiences.
Researcher, Gareth Lyons, is looking for men who have sought treatment or men who haven't; and would like them to talk about things like how they feel about it, how others react (if they tell people), what they feel about their treatment or why they didn't go for treatment or see a doctor, and whether they feel their illness has affected their daily life.
"I want to get across that it's not just girls that eating disorders affect, it can be anyone" says Gareth "As one of the people who I've interviewed so far said to me; `This illness doesn't discriminate, it doesn't care'. We've seen people of all ages, from five to 75 being diagnosed with eating disorders."
"To take part in this study I'm just asking men to complete a short questionnaire and then take part in either a phone or on-line Skype interview in complete confidence" he adds "I understand it can be a daunting thing for a man with an illness, especially a mental one to talk about it, but the more men who can speak about it the more we can push forward research and understanding."
So far comments from men taking part in the study have included; `I would not wish this upon my worst enemy' and `I've been held up in so many ways, relationships, work, life!'...
If you feel you could help this vital research please get in touch with Gareth at g.i.lyons1@edu.salford.ac.uk
• Men who feel they have an eating disorder should go and see a health professional. There are also two national charities that specialise in the illness:
B-eat - offers information, a helpline and links to support services for all sufferers. Helpline: 0845 634 1414 www.b-eat.co.uk
For lists of self help groups, therapists and counsellors see http://helpfinder.b-eat.co.uk/
Men Get Eating Disorders Too - a national charity for men with eating disorders (does not offer immediate support) http://mengetedstoo.co.uk/ For general enquiries email sam@mengetedstoo.co.uk
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