Eating disorders in boys and men: Conclusions and future research directions

In this book, we summarize the most up-to-date information on eating disorders among boys and men regarding presentation, assessment, medical and nutritional considerations, prevention, treatment, and sociocultural considerations. These chapters also identify key gaps and areas of future research to further drive the field. More sensitive methods to screen for eating disorders and to differentiate drive for muscularity from eating disorder pathology in boys and men are needed. In addition, there is a need for more research to better understand the extent to which existing eating disorder diagnostic frameworks and criteria adequately capture the full spectrum of symptoms in boys and men. Additional research in clinical samples is particularly essential to inform medical standards and guidelines for eating disorders in boys and men focused on monitoring bone health, testosterone testing, determining goal weights in treatment, and protocols for refeeding. Randomized controlled trials for prevention and treatment of eating disorders in boys and men are required. Finally, research in diverse samples across races, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, nationalities, socioeconomic strata, and body sizes are needed.