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.
michelle@michellesparkes.com
@mp_sparkes