Medical researchers find a new discovery that anorexia (the male version is known as manorexia) is not limited to women and that the idea of starving yourself in order to achieve the perfect body is crossing gender lines. Manorexia is a serious eating disorder which needs to be detected at its early stages.
What is Manorexia?
Manorexia is an eating disorder. Dietary restriction is the most significant manifestation of the disorder/disease. It sometimes occur in its pure form however appears in the form of alternating crises restriction and bulimia with vomiting. The body is viewed as too big, despite been extremely thin. This physical state due to malnutrition is often times fatal.
Who is affected by Manorexia?
While anorexia is typically thought to be a disorder affecting only teenage girls or women, experts estimate that about 1 million American men suffer from manorexia and the figures seems to be rises.
At what stage in life?
Risk of manorexia is particularly said to be high during two main periods i.e. between ages 12 and 13 and then between ages 17 and 18. This latter part is made significant because it is at the end of high school when ‘serious’ dating occurs i.e. you want to get attention from girls.
How does it start?
For many it often starts as a simply attempt to get fit but it quickly turns into a deadly battle for the perfect body.
What are the underlying and predisposing factors of Manorexia?
In as much as there are biological factors, external factors like early like interactions e.g. family values, identity development and sense of worth/self esteem are vital I triggering the disorder. Pop culture is also a great influence here with some aiming to be wiry — think Mick Jagger, some want to be lean, muscular Brad Pitt, James Bond while other just want to be big and chiseled like Arnold [Schwarzenegger], the governor.”
Warning signs?
A sudden feeling of insecurity followed by a change in eating habits, an obsession with the mirror, an rate of loss of weight leading to general weakness are all signs of manorexia that should not be taken fore granted.
Are there consequences?
Since Manorexia is essentially depriving your body of nutrients dangerous consequences such as stated below may follow – abnormally slow heart rate, low blood pressure, changes in the heart muscle, risk of heart failure, electrolyte imbalance, anemia, changes in bones density (meaning your bones can break more easily, dental problems, loss of muscle tone, general weakness, severe dehydration, which can result in kidney failure, hair loss is common, death.
What should I do now?
It is important not to isolate yourself. The first thing to do is talk to a doctor. There are also a number of associations for parents of children with anorexia which offer good support and are good sources of information.
If you are going through it and you have a problem with manorexia, put away the pride, put away the ego, and don’t be afraid to seek the necessary treatment for it. It’s OK. It’s fine. Just because you are a guy doesn’t mean, ‘I can’t ask for help.’ Do not procrastinate consulting a medical practitioner as an early treatment facilitates cure.
If you want your child to stay healthy, active, and do not suffer from obesity, there is actually a great way to make it happen that is by eating together in the family.
