But doctors now know that eating disorders are quite capable of jumping gender barriers. Mental health experts estimate that for every male who develops anorexia, for example, there are nine females with the problem. Admittedly, the numbers of males with these eating disorders is very small. Mental health experts estimate that for every male who develops anorexia, for example, there are nine females with the problem. But in both genders by far the most vulnerable are the young.
Young people are a high-risk group for anorexia and bulimia.
Hesse-Biber and other experts say cultural change is one reason why more men and boys are developing eating disorders.