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Changing beauty standards -

Social media and popular culture promote muscular and fit male body ideals, leading to unhealthy comparisons and the pressure to conform.

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Stigma and gender norms -

Eating disorders have traditionally been seen as a 'female issue,' discouraging boys and men from seeking help, discussing, or even acknowledging their struggles.

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Increased awareness -

Greater awareness and improved diagnoses of eating disorders in males may have contributed to the observed rise in cases.

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Peer pressure and bullying -

Social pressures to fit in and look a certain way may cause boys and young men to adopt extreme dieting or exercise habits.

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Body dysmorphia -

An increase in body dysmorphia, a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance, is linked to eating disorders in males.

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Athletic pressures -

Competitive sports can encourage unhealthy weight management practices to meet specific weight classes or improve performance.

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Cultural expectations -

Societal norms and cultural expectations about masculinity may cause some boys and men to engage in unhealthy behaviors to appear more "masculine."

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Mental health issues -

Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are common underlying factors attributing to eating disorders.

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Trauma and abuse -

Experiences of trauma or abuse can lead to eating disorders as a form of coping with overwhelming emotions or as a way to regain a sense of control.

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Influence of fitness culture -

The rise of fitness influencers and online workout communities can promote unrealistic or extreme fitness goals.

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Excessive exercise -

A young boy or man may have an obsession with exercise if it interferes with normal activities or causes harm to their body.

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Strict dieting -

Following strict or unusual diets, often with extreme calorie restrictions or avoidance of specific food groups, may be a sign of an eating disorder.

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Obsession with body image -

Constantly checking or criticizing their appearance, particularly regarding muscle size or body fat, could be a cause for concern.

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Social withdrawal -

If you or someone you know is avoiding social situations involving food or becoming increasingly isolated from friends and family, it could be a sign of an eating disorder.

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Rapid weight loss -

A significant and sudden drop in weight that cannot be explained by typical growth or development could indicate an eating disorder.

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Changes in eating habits -

Look out for any noticeable changes in food choices, eating patterns, or meal skipping.

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Frequent bathroom visits -

Spending a lot of time in the bathroom after meals could indicate purging or other harmful behaviors.

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Mood swings -

If you notice rapid changes in mood or behavior, it could be related to fluctuations in energy levels from unhealthy eating patterns.

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Use of supplements or steroids -

Look out for a growing reliance on supplements, protein powders, or steroids to build muscle or control weight.

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Lying about food intake -

A young boy or man struggling with an eating disorder may provide false information about eating habits.

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Physical symptoms -

An eating disorder can cause hair loss, dry skin, or frequent illness due to a weakened immune system.

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Focus on weight-control devices -

An obsession with tools such as body fat calipers to monitor and control body shape could be a sign of an eating disorder.

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Neglecting other interests -

If you or someone you know is losing interest in activities and hobbies previously enjoyed, often in favor of focusing on body image or fitness, it could be a sign of an eating disorder.

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Increased irritability -

Mood changes, particularly irritability or aggression, could be linked to hunger, fatigue, or other stressors from eating disorders.

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Relationship problems -

An eating disorder can cause strain in relationships with friends or family due to secrecy or unusual behavior around food or exercise.

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Physical discomfort -

Complaints of abdominal pain, indigestion, or other gastrointestinal issues could be related to disordered eating.

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Fixation on food content -

Compulsive checking of ingredient lists, nutritional labels, and calorie counting may be signs of an eating disorder.

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Denial -

Commonly, those with an eating disorder refuse to acknowledge that there is an issue, even when confronted with evidence of unhealthy behavior.

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Seeking professional help -

If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of the previous signs or symptoms, it's crucial to seek professional help from a healthcare provider or an eating disorder specialist.

Sources: (National Association of Anorexia and Associated Disorders) (The New York Times) (Child Mind Institute)

See also: The warning signs of an eating disorder

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