Eating disorders are often perceived as predominantly affecting women. However, recent research suggests that men also experience eating disorder symptoms, although the prevalence of specific symptoms may differ between genders. This article explores gender differences in eating disorder symptoms, focusing on body checking behaviors, based on a study conducted among members of a health maintenance organization.
Body checking, a behavioral manifestation of overvaluation of weight and shape, involves engaging in activities to assess one’s body size or shape. Examples include pinching skin to measure body fat or repeatedly checking one’s reflection in the mirror. While body checking is often associated with eating disorders, its prevalence in the general population, particularly among men, remains understudied.
The study recruited a random sample of 3,714 women and 1,808 men aged 18 to 35 to complete a survey on eating habits and body image. Participants answered questions about various eating disorder symptoms, including binge eating, compensatory behaviors (e.g., vomiting, fasting), and body checking. Two items adapted from the Body Shape Questionnaire assessed body checking and avoidance behaviors.
Gender Differences in Eating Disorder Symptoms
The study revealed statistically significant gender differences in the prevalence of several eating disorder symptoms. As shown in Table 1, women were significantly more likely than men to report body checking and avoidance, binge eating, fasting, and vomiting. However, men were more likely to report overeating, while women were more likely to experience loss of control while eating.
Table 1. Prevalence of Eating Disorder Symptoms in Women and Men
While statistically significant, the effect sizes for most symptoms were small to moderate, indicating that the actual difference in prevalence between genders may be less pronounced than previously thought. Notably, a significant difference was observed in body checking behaviors.
Body Checking: A Closer Look
The study found that 22.5% of women reported engaging in body checking behaviors very often or always, compared to only 8.9% of men. This represents a moderate effect size, suggesting that body checking is considerably more common among women. This finding highlights the importance of recognizing body checking as a potential indicator of body image concerns and eating disorders in both women and men, although it appears more prevalent in women. Body avoidance, characterized by avoiding situations that draw attention to body shape or weight, was also more common in women (11.3%) than men (4.4%), albeit with a weaker effect size.
Implications and Future Research
This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of body checking and other eating disorder symptoms in a community sample. The findings emphasize the need to move beyond focusing solely on statistical significance and consider effect sizes when interpreting gender differences in eating disorders. The higher prevalence of body checking in women warrants further investigation into the underlying factors contributing to this disparity. Future research should explore the cultural and societal influences that may contribute to body checking behaviors in women.
Additionally, studies should examine the clinical significance of body checking in both genders and its relationship to other eating disorder symptoms and psychological distress. Developing effective interventions to address body checking and promote positive body image is crucial for both women and men. Early identification and intervention for individuals engaging in frequent body checking may help prevent the development or escalation of more severe eating disorder symptoms. Further research with larger, more diverse samples is needed to confirm these findings and generalize them to other populations.
