Cameron Conaway

As MMA grows, so too does the % of male eating disorders. This is a complex problem that involves not only the physical but also the psychological. MMA is a sport with weight classes, and when coupled with the fact that it’s often marketed with hardcore training and “getting ripped,” it’s easy to see how it is contributing to male eating disorders and a host of other body image issues. The following is the official press release (containing some shocking figures) from the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Study Presented at iaedp Symposium 2012 Examines “Bigorexia,” Introduces First Assessment Tool for Males with Eating Disorders

Study finds one in three men would sacrifice their life span for the “ideal” body

PEKIN, Ill. (Jan. 17, 2012) A new study reveals a staggering one out of three men would sacrifice a year of life to achieve their ideal body weight or shape. This statistic is a jarring revelation for a society once accustomed to associating eating disorders as a traditionally female issue. Acknowledging this quiet and unrealistic quest for perfection, the iaedp Foundation presents at Symposium 2012 “Eating Disorders Assessment for Men: Exploring Gender Differences and Introducing the First Male Specific Diagnostic Instrument,” presented by Ray Lemberg, Ph.D., and Stevie Stanford, Ph.D., on Thursday, March 22 in Charleston, S.C.

            The presentation introduces the Eating Disorder Assessment for Men (EDAM), the first assessment tool developed for and tested on males with eating disorders.  This introduction entails an overview and discussion of diagnostic action for male specific examination and treatment. Historically considered a female issue by society, the presenters will trace its history in men to better understand the rate of incidence increase to 250 percent in the past 10 years.

            “Men, like women, also worry about self-image, especially how they present that image to the world. For men, that worry can manifest itself in perceived loss of social standing, emasculation and deteriorated confidence,” said Bonnie Harken,managing director at The iaedp Foundation.“This presentation removes the mask of male well-being and focuses on providing assistance for an increasingly difficult diagnosis.”

            Discussing socio-cultural factors such as unrealistic body image issues and hard-driven media influence that can perpetuate eating disorders in males, the presenters will delve into the topics of muscle dysmorphic disorder, also known as “Bigorexia,” gender differences in presentation of eating disorder symptoms and body dissatisfaction between males and females. Both Dr. Lemberg and Dr. Stanford will also present on issues shown to be risk factors to men: specific sports involvement, sexual abuse, history of weight issues, sexual orientation and co-morbidity with other disorders and addictions.

            According to the study, men are consumed with an idealized image of minimal body fat and large amount of muscle, which can directly affect self-esteem and behavior. With such a narrowed perception of masculinity, most concerning is the possibility that men may be less emotionally equipped to address body image concerns because of its stigma as a female issue. While eating disorder professionals have spent years effectively diagnosing and treating women, this study demonstrates how society’s emphasis on idealized images encourages men in harmful behavior with devastating physical and mental health consequences.

To register for Symposium 2012, visit www.iaedp.com.

About iaedp:

Since 1985, the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals has provided education and training standards to an international and multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professions.

iaedp is excited about Charleston as the site for iaedp Symposium 2012! Enjoy this incredible city during its Historic Home and Garden Week while experiencing the conference many of our attendees call “the best eating disorder conference” in the field.  For more information, visit: International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals.