Rising Prevalence of Eating Disorders in Adolescent Boys: Understanding the Signs
Originally Published 1 year ago — by PBS NewsHour
Eating disorders are increasingly affecting adolescent boys, with an estimated one in three people with the condition being male. Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician specializing in eating disorders at the University of California, San Francisco, explains that the masculine body ideal of being big and muscular can lead to muscle dysmorphia and unhealthy behaviors such as over-exercising and consuming excessive protein while restricting carbohydrates. The rise of social media and pressures for muscularity, along with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, have contributed to the increase in eating disorders among teenage boys. Recognizing warning signs and seeking help from a primary care pediatrician and specialists is crucial in supporting young males struggling with eating disorders.
