Eating disorder treatment programs for male teens

Understanding eating disorders in teen boys

Issues like binge eating disorder (BED), bulimia nervosa (BN), and anorexia in teenage males are more common than many people understand. And that may be due, in part, to the way the conditions were previously diagnosed.

When it comes to anorexia in boys specifically, diagnostic criteria required one to have three consecutive missed menstrual cycles, making it impossible to diagnose a male with anorexia nervosa (AN). This issue has since been corrected, and the change has made an impact on how all types of eating disorders in teen boys are studied, diagnosed, and treated.

Eating disorders in boys: Risk factors

It's not only a common misconception that issues like binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and anorexia in boys don't exist but that these conditions are a choice.

In boys and girls, men and women, and gender non-conforming folks alike, eating disorders are complex mental health conditions brought on by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Males and teen boys are not exempt from the biological expressions and environmental pressures that cause people to develop eating disorders. Teen boys have a greater risk of developing an eating disorder if they have:²

• A close relative who suffers from an eating disorder 
• A close relative with a mental health condition 
• A personal history of an anxiety disorder
• Experienced trauma 
• A history of being bullied, especially about their weight or appearance 
• Obsessional, intrusive thoughts about their appearance, size, or shape 
• Few friends or limited social interaction 
• Participation in sports or other activities, such as boxing or wrestling, where there is pressure around weight

Eating disorders in teen boys: Stats and trends

Eating disorders in boys have been misunderstood for some time due, in part, to studies that have focused almost exclusively on the way females experience these conditions. Greater awareness around the issue, however, has led to more attention from researchers, who have complied a number of new statistics around the topic, including:^4,9

• Hospitalization among men and boys with eating disorders increased by 53% between 1999 and 2009.
• 12.8% of adolescent boys met eating disorder criteria, including:
  
  • 8.5% for other specified feeding and eating disorder (OSFED)
  • 4.9% for night eating syndrome
  • 1.8% for bulimia nervosa
  • 1.3% for unspecified feeding and eating disorder (UFED)
  • 1.2% for atypical anorexia
• 15% of young men with an “overweight” BMI engage in disordered eating behaviors

Eating disorders in teen boys: Common signs & symptoms

Another reason eating disorders in boys may fly under the radar is the different ways eating disorder symptoms present in boys and men, compared to girls and women.

For example, males with eating disorders tend to focus on achieving a body that is not only lean but muscular. They may focus more on building muscle and “burning fat” than losing weight.⁶ This can manifest as excessive exercise or even issues like steroid use, and the drive to work out can mask other symptoms of the disorder or make the dangerous behaviors seem more "health-driven."

The differences between how eating disorders present in teen boys and girls can be subtle, leading many people to misinterpret them or miss them completely. Some other common signs of eating disorders in teen boys include:^1,4

• Distorted body image
• Frequent weighing
• A strong desire to lose weight and/or fear to gain weight
• Extreme weight changes
• Unusual eating habits (restriction in type or quantity of food, binge eating, secret eating, etc.)
• Insomnia
• Loss of nail quality or hair
• High interest in exercise
• Muscle dysmorphia
• Dental cavities or the erosion of tooth enamel
• Changes in mood, including depression and anxiety
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Perfectionism

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Treatment programs for male teens with eating disorders 

While treatment for males with eating disorders is on the rise, the issue can still be tricky. Many treatment facilities are primarily run or staffed by women or geared toward the problems traditionally associated with females with an eating disorder diagnosis.

Some programs designed for adolescent males may be available, though these can be difficult to come by, thanks to insurance and geographic location, among other factors. Regardless, any program for eating disorder treatment should include a combination of:

• Psychological therapy 
• Dietitian nutrition education 
• Medications to treat associated mental disorders, including depression and anxiety, when needed
• Higher levels of care, including partial hospitalization or inpatient care, when needed

Another option for adolescent boys with eating disorders is to join a support group. These are much more common than specific treatment programs and are frequently conducted for specific groups, such as teen boys with eating disorders. An outlet for similar people in similar situations can be valuable for someone undergoing treatment.

The rise of virtual treatment for eating disorders can also help teen boys get in touch with healthcare specialists who understand their specific needs and can develop personalized treatment plans.

Eating disorders in teen boys: Self-care strategies

In addition to therapy and support groups, learning new coping skills can be an effective way for male teens to remain resilient in the face of daily stressors during recovery. While many of these skills are taught during therapy sessions, others are best practiced at home to help one focus on and care for oneself.

Some self-care strategies for teen boys with eating disorders include:

• Taking time to do the things they love, such as journaling, watching movies, leisurely walks, and playing games.
• Practicing positive affirmations that promote self-worth and value.
• Discovering new hobbies and learning about new activities.
• Leaning on family and friends for support.
• Listening to music that helps relieve high stress levels.
• Spending more time outdoors.
• Practicing mindfulness and meditation.

How to help someone with an eating disorder 

Learning that someone you love has an eating disorder can be an emotional time. You may worry about how to help them with their disorder or struggle to understand it. But there are many things that you can do to help a teen boy with an eating disorder, including: 

• Learning more about their eating disorder 
• Knowing the common signs and symptoms of an eating disorder
• Addressing your concerns with your teenager in a loving and supportive way 
• Reviewing treatment options for your teen
• Providing support, positive feedback, and reinforcement during their treatment and recovery
• Reinforcing that their struggle is valid and serious
• Introducing and reinforcing the idea that eating disorders occur in people of all shapes, sizes, color, and gender

It can be confusing, sad, or scary to watch someone you love struggle with an eating disorder. But the most important thing is never to give up. Eating disorders can be devastating, but they can also be overcome. Supporting your loved one through their recovery journey, one day at a time, can help them stay on the path to a healthier future.