Anorexia/Eating Disorders/anorexia in men

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Expert: Reverend Abbott - 7/7/2007


Question
I am reuniting with an old friend and from listening to him on the phone, I am fairly certain he has some variation of anorexia. His G.I. specialist has cleared him of any disorder but uses stomach distress as an excuse to avoid eating He is 5'10 and weighs 135. There is very little info on anorexia in men.
Thanls, Lou

Answer
You're right about little info or publicity about anorexia in men; however, this is fast changing as the number of male sufferers increases.
Medical doctors cannot usually detect eating disorders such as anorexia unless the patient comes right out and tells them. It is not unusual for men to waste away in front of medical specialists and have no diagnosis until hospitalization discovers self-starvation. Even in some of these cases, anorexics are so good at seeming like they're eating - that only when caught disposing of the food somehow - do they get 'outed'.
 It's also not uncommon for an anorexic to find food causes them great intestinal distress.

The dilemma is whether or not the individual is suffering anorexia as a psychological disorder (which it nearly always is) or as a result of a physical cause (hiatal hernia to ulcers and sometimes even the loss of or disruption of sense of smell and/or taste).

 If you'd like to guide your friend to me, feel free. Or if you have any other specific concerns, let me know.  

Anorexia/Eating Disorders

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Reverend Abbott

Expertise

I have lived it and survived it. I know every excuse, reason, thought, feeling and rationalization - and I'm going to be very honest in my advice.

Experience

I've lost (& gained)HUNDREDS of lbs over a lifetime, more than 30 years of "professional dieting". Presently a counselor for sufferers of eating disorders, a nutritional advisor and spiritual counselor (Reverend,doctor); I've been on every diet there is and used the most bizarre weight loss products you can imagine. I am FORMERLY obese, anorexic (several times), bulimic MOST of the time - and maintaining size 4, with no gimmicks, devices, programs, pills or supplements.

I currently investigate the diet industry on behalf of consumers who do not need to be ripped off while struggling to be healthy. I WILL expose them all and I WON'T be intimidated, bullied or bought. My advice is for cost-free options. I have nothing whatsoever to gain from my recommendation(s). I make no money from my website and I sell, promote, endorse NO diet/health products, programs or devices. You'll also never see me on the receiving end of a hidden camera report...but you can be assured, I won't quit until I've exposed those who are out to take advantage of you.

It's a matter of choices. We need to stop complicating things.


Degrees & Certifications:
I'm an ordained minister (Reverend, doctor) spiritual/living/behavior counselor.

I have a medical education and management background (with college). Through early 90's (until retirement) Who's Who Of American Women; Who's Who On the East Coast; Who's Who Among Emerging American Leaders; Who's Who Of Intellectuals - all for "outstanding performance in (my) field".



Organizations
While active (through the 1980's), included in Who's Who Of American Women; Who's Who On the East Coast; Who's Who Among Emerging American Leaders; Who's Who Of Intellectuals - all for "outstanding performance in (my) field".



Education/Credentials
Ordained Minister; phlebotomist; medical information researcher for court cases

Awards and Honors
Doctorate of Divinity

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