On “Manorexia”
Submitted by Boys and Schools Blog
Well, I can’t say that I’m particularly happy that greater media attention regarding the problematic trends in boys’ health and body image seems to be driven largely by the desire to use the somewhat cutesy apellation of, “manorexia.” But, on the other hand, I suppose that I should just be happy that the issue is getting some attention beyond the, “Isn’t it shocking that boys can have this problem too!” treatment. Granted, it does seem a little strange to be talking about boys’ eating disorders in the same language that we’ve used for years to describe that mainstay of after-school specials, but if you’ve been paying attention to the popular culture, you can definitely see how it’s possible that boys are beginning to embrace unhealthy attitudes about body image. In fact, the images and messages about it are so unrelenting that you almost forget they’re there after awhile. It makes you wonder how much reinforcement about self-acceptance is needed to overcome the coverage of a single Academy Awards red carpet show.
The thing that concerns me greatly about the rising incidence of eating disorders in young men is how likely it is to be missed by those who classify anorexia and the like as “female” illnesses. Moreover, as boys can manifest such problems in different ways (and the psychological component of the disease requires a sensitive and understanding response), I worry also about formulating a social and medical response that is sensitive to the needs and concerns of boys. (Much like some other disorders that are wrongly seen as “feminine”–such as depression–there may be an extra bar to affected boys seeking treatment for fear of being stigmatized for the problem.) Now that the issue is getting some attention, it’s to be hoped that scientists and medical professionals start to look at how treatment for “manorexia” may need to differ from more traditional approaches.
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