In this episode, Dr. Sylvi Martin, a naturopathic doctor and registered nurse psychotherapist based in Ontario, delves into the often overlooked realm of body image and eating disorders in men. Despite common misconceptions, a significant portion of individuals affected by eating disorders are men, comprising 10 to 25% of those affected. Dr. Martin highlights the challenges in identifying and addressing eating disorders in men, citing gaps in research and diagnostic tools that fail to capture the unique experiences and concerns of male individuals. Drawing from a qualitative study, Dr. Martin explores themes such as critical self-perception, societal influences, and the impact of media representations on men's body image. She emphasizes the importance of understanding men's experiences with body image and eating disorders to ensure proper assessment and support, calling for greater awareness and research in this often neglected area of healthcare.

Dr. Martin will be one of the speakers at The Confident Clinician's Men's Health Grand Rounds happening May 02-May 03. Learn more here.

Be sure to check out Dr. Sylvi Martin, ND Eating Behaviour Workshop, from DSM to Diet Culture here

Reference:

Paphiti, A., Newman, E., & Collin, P. (2024). “It’s a Lot Deeper than the Way It Looks”: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Body Image for Men With Eating Disorders. The Journal of Men’s Studies. doi: 10.1177/10608265231225400