Eating Disorders in Males: A Case Series Study to Evaluate Putative Risk Factors

Abstract

This case series aimed to describe the clinical features and symptomatic onset of eating disorders (EDs), to characterize male puberty development and to identify potential risk factors (RFs) for EDs and specific life events preceding ED symptoms. Ten males with current ED diagnoses participated in this study. All participants were interviewed with the Eating Disorders Examination, the Oxford Risk Factor Interview, and a semi-structured clinical interview for the evaluation of males’ puberty development. Almost all participants began their EDs with dieting. Half of the participants mentioned the development of muscle mass and experiences of embarrassment related to undressing in front of their peers. A history of peer aggression and/or teasing was the only RF experienced by all the participants.