Male anorexia: a growing problem?

The eating disorder of anorexia has generally been viewed as one that affects women rather than men. However, a survey from the Eating Disorders Association (EDA) in 2000 revealed that 10 per cent of people with eating disorders were in fact, men. University of Teesside BA (Hons) Graphic Design student Paul Clay has highlighted the problem of male anorexia in his final year project.

Paul, 22, from Bishop Auckland, has designed a fictional company entitled ‘Escape’, to raise awareness of the issue. He consulted the EDA while planning his project, which consists of a corporate identity, a series of promotional billboards, a magazine article and three double-page spreads.

Paul said: “I first came across the issue when I was researching my final year dissertation on images of masculinity in advertising and magazine fashion photography. Previously I wasn’t aware of the existence of male anorexia; I hadn’t given it much thought. My friends on the course weren’t aware of it either. From a design point of view this is a largely untapped area.

“Although the EDA statistics say that 10 per cent of men suffer from eating disorders, the real figures may be much higher, as men may be reluctant to admit they have this illness. My project will show that men have someone to talk to about this, that they’re not alone.”

Paul’s work will be displayed at the University of Teesside’s Design Degree show from Monday 11 June-Thursday 14 June, from 9am-4pm each day. The show is free and open to the public. It will be held in the University’s Main Hall, off the main entrance, near the King Edward’s Square junction with Borough Road, Middlesbrough.

On Saturday 16 June the show moves to Lookers Audi showroom at Mandale Road, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees. The show again will be free and open to the public on Saturday 16 June from 9am-5pm, and on Sunday 17 June from 11am-4pm. For more details on the Design Degree show at the University contact Helen Smith in the School of Law, Arts & Humanities on 01642 384052. Details on the show at Lookers Audi are available from Simon Ginsberg, Business Development Manager on 01642 603444.

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