The number of eating disorders in men increased by 70%
'03.08.2017'
Source: ASN
The number of adult men who are admitted to hospital with an eating disorder (EID) has increased by 70% over the past six years, the same growth rate as among women. These include mental illnesses such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and other digestive disorders.
Data NHS Digitalanalyzed The Guardianshow that the number of diagnoses in hospitalized men older than 19 has increased from 480 in 2010-2011 years to 818 between April 2015 and March 2016, writes ASN.
The growth rate was slightly higher for older men: 70% for the 41-60 age group, 67% for the 26-40 age group, and 63% for the 19-25 year olds. The number of women with a similar diagnosis at the age of 19-25 increased by 61%, and among middle-aged women - by 76%.
Also, the use of steroids among young people has quadrupled last year. A survey conducted by the UK Home Office showed that most anabolic steroids are used by young people 16-24 for years. In total, about 19 000 people took this drug. Medical experts say that, first of all, this is due to the fact that more and more people fall under the influence of popular culture and social networks.
Dr. William Rees Jones of the Royal College of Psychiatry said:
“The pressure on men of all ages is increasing, they feel the need to engage in their own body, and this often turns into an obsession, which, in turn, leads to eating disorders. Unrealistic images of the male body, which are full of mass media, exert psychological pressure on vulnerable people. ”
But the biggest problem, in his opinion, is that men rarely seek help in such matters. Doctors believe that the increase in statistical indicators can also be considered a good sign, because more and more men recognize the symptoms of the disease and seek help. The society finally realizes that such diseases as anorexia and bulimia affect equally both women and men.
Charitable organization to combat eating disorders "Beat»Published a statement in which it states that early diagnosis and timely medical assistance help patients to avoid inpatient treatment.
Data released last year showed that people with nutritional disorders in England can expect treatment before 182 days. Patients who participated in the survey said that general practitioners often could not refer them to specialists. Half of all patients rated nursing as “bad” and “very bad”, and 30% stated that they were not given proper assistance at the reception.
Sam Thomas, founder of the charity organization “Men also suffer from eating disorders,” said:
“Some services simply cannot write men to themselves. One of my friends waited for many months. He had a heart attack, he feels very bad, and he still has not been accepted for treatment. It is in 7 different waiting lists. ”
The data show that men still account for only a small proportion of total hospital referrals: 1098 male patients in 2015-16 compared to 12 female patients. The fastest rate of diagnosis is observed among adolescents aged 054-13 over the past 15 years. The number of diagnoses more than doubled during this period, from 6 to 565.
