The sad truth is that eating disorders are as common in the modeling industry as stilettos. We see the unfortunate results of these diseases every day in the exposed rib bones and protruding hips of dangerously underweight models. Fortunately for women afflicted with an eating disorder there are many avenues to seek help: treatment centers, support groups, etc. Unfortunately it is rarely taken into account that of the estimated 8 million Americans suffering from an eating disorder 10% of those people are men.

All too often anorexia and bulimia are seen as women’s diseases despite that fact that many male models, weight dependent male athletes (jockeys, wrestlers, etc.), and boys next door are afflicted by eating disorders. There may even be more cases of “manorexia” than the currently reported 10% as many men are afraid to be called homosexuals or outcasts for suffering from a “woman’s disease.”

Worse still it is far more difficult for men with eating disorders to receive the help they need than it is for their female counter parts. Many men give up on group therapy after one or two sessions as it can be very uncomfortable sitting in a room full of women in a female based program discussing their disease. There are very few, if any, male based therapy groups for men with eating disorders. It can also be difficult for men to receive assistance from a treatment facility as many of them will only accept female patients. Imagine having a doctor refuse to treat your disease just because of your gender.

Female models, keep an eye on your male counterparts in the industry. Aside from the obvious warning sign of extreme weight loss there are other red flags to watch out for. Many men afflicted by eating disorders are perfectionists. Keep an eye on him while you’re doing your next shoot, is he able to roll with the punches if things don’t go perfectly, or does he get easily flustered? Also keep an eye out for excessive use of alcohol or use of illicit drugs as these addictions often go hand in hand with eating disorders.

Hopefully as awareness grows that these deadly diseases can affect men just as much as women there will be more treatment options available for men with eating disorders.