Eating disorders are on the rise in preteen and teen boys. Here are the symptoms that experts suggest parents should not ignore.
As per research compiled by Harvard University, nearly 7 million males living in the United States have experienced an eating disorder at some point in their lives.
“Most eating disorders in boys are noticed as early as 10, with the majority becoming apparent between ages 14 to 16,” Jonathan Levine, who is a clinical supervisor and therapy lead at Equip Health, a virtual eating disorder treatment program explains in an interview with Parents.com.
“Generally, during puberty and the start of college are when boys are most at risk of developing an eating disorder, though a major catalyst, such as a trauma or comment from a peer or professional, can act as the onset.”
A study published by The Hospital for Sick Children in Ontario in 2023 showed that the number of eating disorder hospitalizations among young men is rising. The research found that there was an increase of 416% from 2000 to 2019.
“Sadly, this increase does not surprise me,” Dr. Paul Houser, medical director of the eating disorder program at Dayton Children’s Hospital, comments on the study results. “Eating disorders can be difficult to detect in young people in general, but this is even more so the case for boys and young men.”
The difficulty in diagnosing eating disorders in young men stems largely from the stereotype of disorders happening only female patients. There is a negative stigma attached to young men seeking help and because of feelings of shame, they delay speaking up. According to Dr. Houser, this can lead to severe symptoms and consequences as treatment is delayed.
Underreporting of male eating disorders is one factor that is fueling the rise in cases. However, that is not the only reason. Cultural conversations around diet and exercise and social media are also adding fuel to the fire.
“Social media content, such as video ‘shorts’ on TikTok and other platforms, often emphasize physical characteristics that are easy to show in a brief video over character traits that can’t be displayed in this format,” Dr. Houser says. “Young males also seem more sensitive to these factors if they lack strong male role models or positive peer groups that emphasize skills and character over appearance.”
So, just what are the signs that parents should be on the look out for? The experts suggest that parents should not ignore the following signs:
- Sudden decrease in appetite or amount of food that a child eats
- Excessive worry about food being healthy, or refusing to eat foods previously preferred
- Arguing or defensiveness when a parent asks them to eat more
- Hiding or “diverting” by secretly throwing away food
- Intentionally vomiting after eating
- Spending excessive time focused on physical appearance, such as looking in the mirror or constantly comparing their body to other people
- Becoming dizzy, lightheaded, easily fatigued, or constantly cold
- Thinner or more brittle hair or fingernails
- Unexplained increase in upset stomach, nausea, or other digestion complaints
- Sudden unexplained weight loss
- Clothing that formerly fit suddenly being too large
“Eating disorders in boys more commonly overlap with a condition called muscle dysmorphia, where a young person can obsessively focus on building the largest possible muscles,” Dr. Houser says. “Therefore, boys are more likely to engage in excessive weight lifting and strength training as opposed to excessive dieting and cardiovascular exercise.”
If you suspect your son is struggling with an eating disorder, Dr. Houser suggests that parents talk to the child directly. Beyond that, he suggests talking to your child’s physician and/or therapist.