BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER & GAY MEN

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Imagine waking up from a night’s sleep and on your way to the restroom you glanced into the mirror. One quick look at my backside…YOU THINK IT IS TOO BIG! A quick glance @ the face…YOU NEED A FACIAL & EYEBROW WAX. A pat on my stomach…YOU ASK YOURSELF, WILL I EVER HAVE A SIX PACK? Seemingly odd scenario? Not quite. Male body image and physical insecurity are becoming an increasingly important issue in the GAY community. We all want to look our best, especially when socializing or courting that cute boy, but preoccupation with our bodies can lead to several dangers traditionally associated only with women. Among the potential dangers are Body Dysmorphic Disorder or a severe preoccupation with a slight defect in appearance, steroid use, muscle dysmorphia (in which men believe their muscles are too small), anorexia in both men and women, and physical insecurity. Dr. Murray Drummond, men's health lecturer at the University of South Australia estimates that 5- 10% of people with eating disorders are men. And according to psychotherapist Abigail H. Natenshon, 20% of those men are gay.

WHERE DO MALE BODY IMAGE ISSUES ORIGINATE? There are many professional theories that pin-point modern advertisements and media campaigns that portray the ideal man as lean, muscular and fat-free, much in the same way women (including lesbians) have been pressured over the years. Majority of magazine covers (such as Men's Health) and billboards (like Calvin Klein) give the perception of the ideal and desired man as one perfectly fit. For years women have lived with the pressure to be as thin as a Vogue or runway model. Males are also more likely to have a body image disorder due to the pressures of sports and are more likely to induce vomiting because dieting is not a socially acceptable method of weight loss. As a result, gays and lesbians alike flock to local spas to get a MANI and a PEDI and other treatments in an effort to look their best. The gyms are filled with gays vying for a spot in front of the mirror in hopes the last workout or protein shake has paid off.

IS A PERSON’S EAGERNESS TO STAY FIT & LOOK GOOD A BAD THING? Not necessarily. Staying fit and eating right can lead to a healthy lifestyle. Plus, who doesn't want to look their best? The problem arises when body image becomes a preoccupation that interferes with daily life, creating stress and anxiety.

SO WHEN IS BODY IMAGE A PROBLEM? If you find your anxiety and stress levels increasing over the way you feel about your physical appearance, consult a medical professional and seek help. Preoccupation with body image can lead to dangerous disorders such as anorexia. Here's a quick male body image quiz to help you determine whether or not you have an eating disorder*:

• Are you always thinking of the nutritional value of the foods you eat?
• Do you feel angry or guilty when you eat "unhealthy" or "bad" foods?
• Do you use food for comfort?
• Do you constantly think about weight, body size?
• Have you ever induced vomiting?
• Are you happier when you lose weight?
• Do you think thinness equals happiness?

If you've answered yes to any or all of these questions and you feel preoccupied by your body image, consult a medical professional for an evaluation. If you have a problem with how to look, feel, etc. Do something about it. Do Not over-do on doing something about it, cause if you do, it is YOUR FAULT, it is NOT society, it is YOUR CHOICE. If you have Anorexia, then YOU CHOSE IT, society is Not To Blame, because YOU CHOSE to Allow society to push you to become Anorexic. If you are FAT, then you CHOSE to eat too much or the items that would Cause you to be Fat. It was YOUR CHOICE. If Humanity Does Not Learn to Take RESPONSIBILITY for their own actions, then the Human Race will NOT Survive…IT IS THAT SIMPLE!