Bigorexia
“There is an alarming trend towards eating disorders in young men surrounding muscle and gym obsession. At its most serious it involves the ingestion of anabolic steroids and their derivatives which may even be fuelling some of the violence emerging on our streets”
Dr Karley Heyworth, GP Kings Cross
“Recent evidence suggests that body image concerns are more prevalent in boys than previously thought, and that boys may manifest these concerns in a different manner to girls.The finding that boys tend to be concerned about muscularity (rather than concerns about thinness observed in females) has significant implications for diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders in men and boys.”
Dr Carol Holden – CEO, Andrology Australia
GPs are becoming increasingly concerned at teenage boys perceiving that they need to bulk up and at the strategies they adopt to do so. Rates of body dissatisfaction in males are rapidly approaching that of females and are manifested as the pursuit for a muscular, lean physique. Additionally research indicates that males involved in sport with a greater emphasis on weight classes and bulking up are often more vulnerable. For some males this heightened awareness may also lead to other eating disorders and over exercising.
The prevalence of eating disorders is significant and often under-reported and under-recognised. One in ten people diagnosed with an eating disorder are male. However, we also know that the under-diagnosis and the cultural stigma boys face means that the actual proportion of males with eating disorders could be much higher – and GPs claim they are are seeing this. We know that as many males experience binge eating disorder as women in their lifetime. Recent studies indicate that it could be that up to 25% of people with eating disorders are male.
Why choose this workshop?
This is a workshop with a balanced, evidence based approach that supplements the existing Board of Studies curriculum by providing students elevated self-awareness of this emerging trend.
The workshop has a practical focus based on real case studies as seen by GPs. It provides techniques for coping with anxiety and the latest dietary guidance (including protein supplementation), as well as tips on how to improve school-life balance, mental attitude toward schoolwork and alignment of purpose. It’s akin to a GP home visit, but specific to Year 10 or 11 boys!
The workshop is normally of 2 hours duration, but can be tailored to meet your time schedule and budget.