College students' attitudes towards eating disorders in males

Abstract

Eating disorders are a prevalent and serious health problem in the United States. Eating disorders are generally associated with young women. However, people are less aware of eating disorders among male; thus, there are fewer studies done on this issue and fewer eating disorder prevention programs for males. This study investigates men's attitudes regarding awareness and knowledge of eating disorders in males by surveying a sample of 28 male students on campus. It was hypothesized that college males would have little knowledge about male eating disorders and less awareness of it being a problem among males. The findings support the hypothesis that college males do not have a clear understanding of male eating disorders.