“Be A Man?” Gender Role Conformity, Sociocultural Pressures and Challenges in Eating Disorder Detection, Treatment and Recovery Among Males

We know that boys and men are affected by eating disorders, but often experience unique barriers to accessing help, and present clinical considerations that eating disorder professionals should be well-equipped to address. Historically associated with females, eating disorders are often not on the radar among those in a position to detect when a male is struggling with an eating disorder, contributing to the number of males who are left untreated. This presentation will explore the complexity of  gender in eating disorders with respect to cultural risk factors impacting men, such as the overvaluing of muscularity and the latest research on gender role conformity; sexuality; athletic participation; clinical issues in treatment settings; and potential opportunities for increased detection and intervention.

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