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Binge-eating is a common feature in the disordered eating landscape. Binge-Eating Disorder as a diagnosis affects around 3.5% women, 2% men and 1.6% adolescents. Today I speak with Ryan Sheldon, a male who has struggled with binge-eating disorder and is using his experience to help others through his blog, Confessions of a Binge-eater.
Important take home messages include:
- Accepting you have a problem
- Asking for help
- Finding someone you can trust to hear and not judge you when you’re struggling
- Realising it’s a ‘real’ problem, that you’re not alone, and that there are other men who are struggling with this
Other key points:
- Body shaming affects men
- There will be people out there who will understand and not judge or shame you. Your national ED association is a good place to ask for relevant points of connection and referral.
One thing Ryan says would have helped him 5 years ago:
- Having someone help me identify that I had a problem.
- “I don’t know where I would be right now if I had been asked about my eating habits” says Ryan.
Here’s a simple questionnaire that can help you identify if you have an eating issue that warrants further assessment.
For further help see your primary health care physician or contact michelle@michellesparkes.com
Questions and feedback welcome.