While many people think of women when they discuss body issues, some experts argue that homosexual men may also be subjected to an incredible degree of pressure to fit a certain mold, leading to widespread struggles with body dysmorphia. This condition entails having a skewed perception of your own appearance, largely because you are comparing it to an unattainable ideal.
In a piece for the relationship website YourTango, therapist Larry Cappel notes that – among gay men in particular – this may be exaggerated as many individuals grow up feeling rejected by or alienated from their male friends, family and mentors, turning instead to Hollywood ideals.
This is just one potential reason that gay men in particular may become fixated on their weight, and on the sense of control that an eating disorder so often provides. The International Journal of Eating Disorders states that up to 15 percent of males who identify as homosexual have struggled with bulimia or anorexia at some point, whether or not they sought help at an eating disorder treatment center.
At Fairwinds Treatment Center, we know first hand that eating disorders can affect individuals of any age, gender and background. We also appreciate that there is rarely one single cause behind these complex conditions. As such, our treatment model combines medical and psychiatric care in an intimate and supportive setting. Several elements, including underlying psychological conditions, can drive an individual to adopt self-destructive behaviors. If you or someone you love is battling an eating disorder, contact us today to regain control.
