It's not just all about footy, music and girls; boys, like us, suffer from the increasing pressures to be thin but the problem is, they don't talk about it...

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulima nervosa, can affect guys just as easily as girls, but a lack of research in has made it hard to determine just how many cases of boys with eating disorders are recorded each year.

According to general manager of The Butterfly Foundation, Julie Parker, most recent statistics indicate that approximately 25 per cent of newly diagnosed cases of eating disorders in children are boys.

For teenage boys, the most common type of clinical diagnosis is anorexia nervosa but The Butterfly Foundation says this could be exceeded by boys suffering from EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified). These disorders often go untreated as a result of boys ignoring their problems.

"Like any part of the population, teenage boys can be influenced by external factors such as the media, sport or famous people they admire," explains Julie.

The skinny on the music biz

Just like girls who idolise size-zero models, weight obsession and eating disorders in boys can sometimes be triggered by an admiration for thin celebrities. Media commentators have seen a trend on the indie music scene that shows some musicians are adopting scary tactics to remain super skinny. Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill recently told Q Magazine of his battle with anorexia. "I always thought I wasn't good enough. I'd do anything to keep my hands and mouth busy without eating," he said. He admitted to living off coffee and going for long runs to try and stay thin. By bringing attention to his personal struggle with an eating disorder, Caleb has helped to highlight this serious issue.

Other musicans who have been in the spotlight due to their weight include Brandon Flowers of The Killers and Ricky Wilson from the Kaiser Chiefs. More famously Daniel Johns of Silverchair has spoken out about suffering from an eating disorder.

Not just dying to be thin

While an obsession to be thin can be a concern for guys, they have the added pressure of feeling like they need to bulk up as well, which can also have detrimental effects. "A desire to achieve a very muscular body shape may also lead to the development of an eating disorder that involves the abuse of steroids and disordered eating," says Julie.

Help line!

When it comes to eating disorders, boys are even more reluctant than girls to seek help - mainly because of the perception that eating disorders are a "female" illness.

"It is likely that boys would be even more reluctant to seek help for an eating disorder for fear of being stigmatised, misunderstood or misdiagnosed," explains Julie.

If you have a guy friend who might be suffering from an eating disorder, it's important to approach them with care, compassion and a non-judgemental attitude.

"Most people, even guys, just need someone to care and listen to them and tell them that they are lovable and worthy enough to seek help and get well," says Julie.

Places to get help...

Visit eden.org.nz or call (09) 378 9039

Eating Disorders Association of NZ call (09) 522 2679 or ed.org.nz

Youthline call 0800 37 66 33 or youthline.co.nz