Male bulimia: real story

Steve, 55, was bulimic for around 20 years. He talks about how he beat the disease and the health issues he still faces today.

Find out more information on bulimia and eating disorders:
http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/eatingdisorders

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www.nhs.uk/video

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• NHS
• Choices
• health
• male
• bulimia
• nervosa
• eating
• disorder
• men

[antrewt]

Get this from a male sufferer. Binging/purging almost daily for 3 years, yet GP was vacilating, suspicious and guarded, reluctant to see bulimia as central issue. Been despirate for help, chasing GP, writing to MP, calling PALS for nearly a year. I've finally made it - to a waiting list, that is. During this time, I've gradually lost the capacity to study, to look after myself, become suicidal. Been caught shoplifting food; thought it might give me access to the help I need but no. Life; dstryd

[NHSChoices]

If you are in need of urgent help please follow the guidelines below:

1. Contact your GP, counsellor, a trusted family member or friend as soon as possible and ask for their help.

2. If you are unable to do this for any reason, please contact your local A&E and tell them your situation. They will do their very best to help you.

If you feel unable to do any of the above, or are feeling in despair or suicidal please contact the Samaritans. You can call them on 08457 90 90 90.

[MCGEE1115]

I don't understand why people think this is a

little girl's disease. Many men have this.

And it's not all about being fat it's a complex physiological disease connected to stress and depression. Good luck to you!

[LouiseCap]

Thank you for sharing this, although I am not male it gives me hope that I can beat my bulimia.

[otherbrain]

Bulimics in many countries can also get help through a free self-help (addicts helping addicts) group called overeaters anonymous. Look it up on the web for more info. It helps bulimics, anorexics, binge eaters, anyone with a problem with food, men and women.

[polly10022]

I hate when I eat a lot and I become a completely different person and decide to throw it up, I always say "One last time.. this is truly the LAST TIME!" and then I find myself doing it over and over again. I've done it like 4 times this week. I believe I can stop though..

[mangogirl805]

Thank you for sharing this. Keep up the fight and you're awesome.

[MrIrreversible]

I'm bulimic too. im a guy :/ i just cant stop it. :((

[littleLOLkat]

I am an anorexic and bulimic girl, and have been for 4 years. I have been admitted to hospital a lot and one of my best friends there is male.

It is a sad thing that the media has creates such a gender role for eating disorder sufferers and that they stereotype causes such as models, celebrities and commercials, when in reality it is a manifestation of self-loathing, anxiety and depression.Thank you for reaching out and having the courage to tell us your story. Stay strong.

[farbim32]

im a bulimic dude. we're not all that rare.

[joswampr]

@AntiVenomFangX

I once met a lady who had to have her colon removed because she used too many laxatives.

Constipation for several weeks

acid reflex

[ashvariety]

@MCGEE1115 I dont understand that either, i agree with you, many men and older adults struggle with eating disorders including myself, if a young person doesnt get help if they have an ED, they only become an older adult with it and it only gets worse and more aggressive as the years go on.

[recoz22]

i am a male bulemic for nearly a year,well more of a boy bulemic i started testing at 14 got hooked at 15 then got help at nearly 16 after throwing up every little thing i ate from coffe to chinese buffets anything with calories came up only diet coke digested,it is a rough disease it controls you,you dont control it well while you have it ive been recovery for a half a year and have many relapses every single day.hang in there.if you have it seek help.

[AntiVenomFangX]

what does it do to ones digestive tract?