Decades-long study shows increase in eating disorders among young males
Feb 22, 2024, 4:00 PM | Updated: 6:13 pm
North American hospitals are seeing a major increase -- 416% over the last two decades -- in teen males hospitalized for eating disorders. (Canva)
(Canva)
SALT LAKE CITY — North American hospitals are seeing a major increase — 416% over the last two decades — in teen males hospitalized for eating disorders.
The number of eating disorder hospitalizations in males increased 139% in the past two decades, according to a Canadian study. Hospitalizations in boys, ages 12 to 14 years, increased by 416%.
Experts say signs of a possible eating disorder in young males include obsessive exercise and extreme dietary restrictions.
Health experts say the steep increase is partly because healthcare professionals have a better understanding of how eating disorders show up in boys.
The study finds that many teen boys don’t seek to lose weight but to bulk up. Experts say social media and society are pressuring them to appear buffer and leaner at a younger age.
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