When you think about body image issues and eating disorders, you might be inclined to focus on how frequently women and girls are affected. But while these issues are sadly a way-too-common problem for girls, they’re also a concern for many boys, too — particularly teens.
It’s crucial for parents to recognize that boys are also vulnerable and to be aware of the factors that make boys susceptible to body image issues and eating disorders, as well as the signs and symptoms, to help boys who are struggling.
Not surprisingly, teen boys and girls often respond to eating disorders and body image issues in different ways. Boys are less likely to discuss body image issues than girls because they generally have a harder time talking about vulnerabilities, especially issues related to the body, mental health and confusing sets of feelings. As a result, these issues often go undiagnosed and untreated in boys.
[See: The Truth About Teen Eating Disorders.]
Teen boys who are dealing with body image issues often develop eating disorders after going to the gym compulsively and modifying their eating habits in an attempt to become more muscular. Eating habits may change drastically. Take note of what your boys are eating. Is he cutting out specific categories of food and substituting with foods primarily containing proteins? Also, if your son’s schedule has changed drastically and going to the gym to work out has become a compulsion for him, take notice. Ask yourself if your son is prone to anxiety, depression and perfectionistic tendencies. Has your son been bullied during his childhood? Did he struggle with his weight at one point, or did he believe he was overweight? All of these are risk factors for eating disorders.
You should also consider your family history when thinking about whether or not your son may be struggling with body, weight and eating issues. Do eating disorders run in your family? Do you have a family history of mood issues and anxiety issues? If so, this may place your child at increased risk for disordered eating.
Consider also family norms. Does your family discuss weight frequently and subtly or not so subtly place a premium on body image? Do you or your partner criticize your bodies? Be aware that your kids are taking note. You are your kids’ most important role models. If you’re criticizing your body, your children are likely to follow suit and start scrutinizing their appearance. This generally does not lead to a healthy sense of self and body.
[Read: 5 Ways to Improve Your Body Image.]
So perhaps you’ve noticed your son is engaging in extreme dieting, losing weight quickly, becoming obsessed with dieting or even weighing himself frequently. Maybe you suspect that he is binge eating and vomiting. You are right to be concerned.
Here is what you should do:
1. Take action quickly. The sooner you get treatment for an eating disorder the better. Earlier treatment is more likely to be successful, since disordered behaviors will have had less time to become entrenched.
2. Talk to your son. Be calm and concerned. Ask how he is feeling and what his goals are related to his weight. Express concern not only for his emotional health but also for his physical health.
3. Take a good, hard look at the way your family functions. Does everything center around exercise and body weight? If so, consider making some changes. Physical fitness is one thing. Obsessional talk and behavior and perfectionism are yet another. You may want to consider making some changes to the family dynamics.
4. Get your son to his physician. And share your concerns with his doctor.
5. Get help from a mental health professional if needed. If all signs point to a problematic body image and an eating disorder, or it appears your child is developing an issue, take him to a therapist who specializes in treating eating disorders. Perhaps you can have your son meet with a few therapists and let him work with the one who he feels most comfortable with.
[See: 12 Potential Signs of an Eating Disorder.]
6. Support your son through this process. Always stand with your child, and don’t ever shame him for a body image issue or eating disorder. Your support and acceptance is important for his recovery.
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Identifying Eating Disorders and Body Image issues in Boys originally appeared on usnews.com
