Guy with disordered eating habits?

[Calif0rnia R0ll]

Hey guys! I'm new here and I just wanted to ask you guys if I'm normal or not... (LOL)

Eating disorders and body image issues are always associated with girls, but for the past two years I've struggled with binge-eating and always cared about my weight. I get called crazy most of the time for caring about my body image since I'm a guy. :( Am I alone on this one?

[Alexithymia]

While I'm usually a lurker, I had to post here. I'm a guy too, and have always (or, at least since kindergarten) had body image issues. It's something really hard to get over, and it's not something that fun to live with. It can lead to a number of EDs, as well as some other psychological issues such as depression. (Of course, this is me just assuming, and you should always talk to a doctor about losing weight, gaining weight, etc.)

So, the short answer is no, you're not alone. But you can also do things to help yourself out! I'm not saying it's going to be easy to get over body image issues (if they're bad enough ), but it'll be worth it. Living in a body and not regretting it is a wonderful feeling, but it's feeling that is hard to get to. (I'm also slightly repetitious.)

Simple (but admittedly hard) things you can do to help yourself out!

[I]Stop comparing yourself to others! This means completely. Heavier people, lighter people, it's bad. You should be happy with the way you are and not have to compare yourself with other to either want to lose more weight or be happy with yourself.
Exercise! But not too much. Just exercise enough so that you're healthy. This has two benefits: you get in needed exercise, which is always nice, and you also feel better about yourself. Whether or not you think it's enough, you still will feel better (I think), as it releases endorphins into your body. Basically, exercise is a sure-fire way to get your mind thinking and you feeling better.


If you haven't already, I would suggest taking a glance at the stickied threads, specifically the following:
Georgiamay's guide to EDNOS and Disordered Eatingp (http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showthread.php?t=88803)
and
Amaryllis's guide to recovery (with any ED) (http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showthread.php?t=110035)

While these may not be pertinent to you, it can help with you to look out for the warning signs. I highly suggest looking through those threads and finding out if this is just normal binge-eating or if it's something more serious. I hope this helps! *hugs, since he doesn't know how to do the hug icon*

[aanderso_n]

nope…. not at all. the only gender specific disorders that exist either deal with DNA or the physical structure of the body. Male eating disorders are downplayed by the media and society. It may seem embarrassing to be a guy and dealing with this issue, but you shouldn't be embarrassed. First off, eating disorders aren't normal in general, and second, you should talk to your doctor or other friends about it. They will be able to help you though it :)