my milieu

I try to be as gender and age-neutral as possible when I speak of eating disorders. Objectively, I know they can strike anyone at any age. But it is so ingrained in me that the majority of those who have eating disorders are young females (and society’s perceptions bearing down on me) that I often take for granted just how much worse it can be for the atypical people who have eating disorders.

Recently John Prescott, former Deputy Prime Minister of the UK recently came out to the public that he had bulimia for over 10 years. Prescott speaks about his bulimia in an interview with BBC.

I don’t know of his record in politics, but I think it is great that he told the public and the media. Eating disorders are very private and often shameful, and many people don’t seek treatment. I can only imagine how much more difficult it would be for someone having an eating disorder as a male or in older adulthood.

I can only think of one more male off the top of my head who has been in the limelight and publicly admitted to an eating disorder: Daniel Johns of the band Silverchair came out a long time ago about his anorexia.

It’s all about raising awareness and promoting true knowledge rather than ignorant stereotypes. Also, knowing of someone prestigious or famous who has an eating disorder and is the same gender and age you are may help you to feel less ashamed in seeking treatment.

Right on, dudes.