Both the media and statistics reflect eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia as a battle most prevalent in females. However, a 2009 article by Kimberly Weisensee speculates that the statistics regarding male eating disorder sufferers could be greatly exaggerated due to men being less willing to come forward with the issue and that a large percentage of these men are athletes.
Patrick Bergstrom is a male athlete from Hagerstown, Maryland who for four years struggled with both anorexia nervosa and alcoholism. Bergstrom’s disorder nearly claimed his life when in March of 2008 he sought treatment at Canopy Cove in Florida. In treatment he not only regained his health but discovered an incentive to share his story and help others experiencing similar adversities. After treatment he founded I Chose to Live, a recovery movement with the purpose of encouraging others to choose life over struggle and addiction. He also became a resource person for The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) and The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD). In addition, Bergstrom has done public speaking events across the country in order to provide awareness and prevention. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to sit down with Bergstrom to discuss his inspirational recovery, the misconceptions about men and eating disorders and the positive perspectives he gained after overcoming his eating disorder.
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