Eating disorders in men often develop at a later age and are most often associated with certain athletes or occupations. Runners, gymnasts, jockeys and wrestlers are more likely to develop eating disorders than football players who are often more pressured to gain weight and muscle. Models, actor and dancers also feel pressures to lose weight. Acting on these pressures occasionally accelerates into eating disorders. Homosexuals are over represented among men who suffer from eating disorders.
Web site speculates that the homosexual culture puts more emphasis on thinness and femininity.
Men are less apt to seek treatment for a disorder. Since the disorders are most often associated with women, men are ashamed or uncomfortable with seeking treatment. Support groups are most often women and men are often uncomfortable with discussions about lost menstrual periods, social pressures on women and other female-related subjects. According to Bachman, one should not dismiss the warning signs of eating disorders in men. A study sited on the Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention Web site found that 26 percent of college men and 48 percent of college women are dieting or making other serious efforts to lose weight.