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Body Image Issues

Home > Men's Health Home > Mental Health > Body Image Issues

• Eating Disorders
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder
• Additional Resources

Did you know that men, like women, can struggle with body image issues? Some men secretly live with an eating disorder or body dysmorphic disorder. Some men use steroids to try to “beef up” muscles and enhance appearance. Body image issues can harm your health and interfere with daily living. People with body image disorders often isolate themselves from others and can suffer from depression and other mental health problems.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders involve extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues. Many more women than men have anorexia and bulimia. But binge eating disorder affects men and women equally. With binge eating disorder, people overeat well beyond the point of feeling full. Sometimes, people try to make up for their binges by dieting or not eating. Body weight ranges from normal to severely obese.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

People with body dysmorphic disorder have extreme concern over a real or imagined "flaw" in appearance. Men and women are affected equally, but focus concern on different parts of the body. Men tend to be preoccupied by their skin, hair, nose, and genitals. People with this condition often feel "ugly" and can be self-conscious around others.

Obsession with food or how you look is no way to live. If you have body image issues, don't let shame or embarrassment keep you from seeking help. Medicines and counseling can help people with eating disorders and body image disorders.

Additional Resources

Publications

1.   Eating Disorders — This detailed booklet describes symptoms, causes, and treatments of eating disorders. It also includes information on getting help and coping.

   http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders/summary.shtml

2.   NIDA InfoFacts — Steroids (Anabolic-Androgenic) — This fact sheet discusses the health hazards of abusing anabolic steroids, the extent of abuse, and treatment methods that exist.

   http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/steroids.html

3. Binge Eating Disorders In Males (Copyright © NEDA) — This publication explains the behavioral, emotional, and physical characteristics of binge eating disorders in men.

   http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/p.asp?WebPage_ID=316&Profile_ID=41182

4. Body Dysmorphic Disorder (Copyright © Mayo Foundation) — This fact sheet describes the symptoms and causes of body dysmorphic disorder. It also offers information about self-care and how to know when to seek medical advice.

   http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/body-dysmorphic-disorder/DS00559

5. Enhancing Male Body Image (Copyright © NEDA) — This fact sheet provides tips to help men accept the way they look and avoid negative self-talk and behaviors.

   http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/p.asp?WebPage_ID=316&Profile_ID=41161

6. Information for Boys and Men (Copyright © NEDA) — This resource contains links to helpful information for men and boys from the National Eating Disorders Association. Topics include body image, bulimia, anorexia, and more.

   http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/p.asp?WebPage_ID=285

Organizations

1.   National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, HHS
2.   National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse
3.   National Mental Health Information Center, SAMHSA, HHS
4. American Psychiatric Association
5. American Psychological Association
6. Mental Health America
7. National Alliance on Mental Illness
8. National Eating Disorders Association

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated June 1, 2009.