Being aware about eating disorders and acting on the warning signs and symptoms can have a marked influence on the severity and duration of the illness. Seeking help at the first warning signs is very important in this respect. However, the very nature of an eating disorder means that the sufferer will try and ensure any warning signs are concealed.
There are physical, psychological and behavioral warning signs that can signal the onset or the presence of an eating disorder in a male or a female but there are some warning signs that are more likely to occur in males:
Preoccupation with (over)exercising
Continuing doing sport/exercising when injured
Testosterone lowers (lose interest in sex)
Feeling stressed over missing workouts
Possible conflict over gender identity or sexual orientation
Using anabolic steroids
Further, our socio-cultural influences mean that over-exercising and the extreme pursuit of muscle growth are frequently seen as healthy behaviors for males and can even be actively encouraged. The truth is that these activities can indicate a significant disorder and lead to severe physical health problems.
