Enhancing clinicians' understanding of body image and eating disorders in boys and men

Description: While body image and eating disorders are often associated with girls and women, increasing research highlights their relevance among boys and men as well. This presentation will explore the latest literature on body image issues, eating disorders, muscle dysmorphia, and muscle-building behaviours (e.g., muscularity-oriented dietary practices, use of muscle-building dietary supplements and anabolic-androgenic steroids) in males. This review will include updated conceptualizations and statistics of these conditions and behaviours. 

The presentation will explore nuances between eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia among boys and men, as well as clinical classification debates. It will also address common barriers to assessment and treatment for boys and men, offering practical recommendations and adaptations that clinicians can implement in their practice for more effective interventions. Participants will engage in meaningful self-reflection activities, discussions, and the exploration of case studies to apply presentation content and new understandings of body image and eating disorders among boys and men.

Learning objectives: 

• Gain a well-rounded conceptualization and understanding of body image and eating disorders among boys and men.
• Understand unique risk factors present for boys and men for the development of poor body image and eating disorders.
• Identify 2-3 key barriers to assessment and treatment.
• Identify 2-3 treatment considerations and adaptations.

Agenda

9 - 9:30 a.m.: Introduction, activity (e.g., polling).

9:30 - 10:15 a.m.: Review of key terms and conceptualizations of body image and eating disorders among boys and men.

10:15 - 10:30 a.m.: Break

10:30 - 11 a.m.: Breakout room discussion.

11-11:15 a.m.: Debrief from breakout room discussion.

11:15 a.m. - noon: Overview of statistics related to body image, eating disorders, and disordered eating behaviors.

Noon - 1:00 p.m.: Lunch break

1 - 1:15 p.m.: Reflections and questions on morning content.

1:15 - 2 p.m.: Discussion of overlap between eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia.

2 - 3 p.m.: Overview of barriers to treatment, engagement strategies, and treatment adaptations.

3 - 3:15 p.m.: Break

3:15 - 4 p.m.: Review of case study and breakout room discussions and large group discussion.

4 p.m.: End of session.

Audio/visual recording disclaimer: Please note that this training will be recorded. We kindly ask that you please review the audio/visual consent form.

Ontario Psychological Association employees, members, associates and affiliates can use discount code OPA15 to receive 15% off all upcoming programs (cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions/discounts).