Characteristics of men with persistent thinness

Abstract

Objective: Although Western society is increasingly obesogenic, some individuals maintain low weights. Thin women manifest fewer eating disorders and higher self-esteem. However, little is known about persistently thin men. Research Methods and Procedures: Participants completed measures of demographics, psychiatric history, body size, eating behavior, and personality. Results: Thinness was associated with less eating pathology. Thin men were more likely to meet criteria for generalized anxiety disorder (odds ratio = 2.46). Discussion: Persistent thinness may protect men from eating disorders. Copyright © 2004 NAASO.