Many kids — particularly adolescents — are concerned about how they look and can feel self-
conscious about their bodies. This can be especially true when they are going through puberty,
and undergo dramatic physical changes and face new social pressures.
Unfortunately, for a number of kids and teens, that concern can lead to an obsession that can
become an eating disorder. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa cause
dramatic weight fluctuation, interfere with normal daily life, and can permanently affect their
health.
Parents can help prevent kids from developing an eating disorder by building their self-esteem
and encouraging healthy attitudes about nutrition and appearance. If you become worried that
your son or daughter might be developing an eating disorder, it’s important to step in and seek
proper professional care.
ABOUT EATING DISORDERS
Generally, eating disorders involve self-critical, negative thoughts and feelings about body weight
and food, and eating habits that disrupt normal body function and daily activities. While more
common among girls, eating disorders can affect boys, too. Unfortunately, many kids and teens
successfully hide eating disorders from their families for months or even years.
People with anorexia have an extreme fear of weight gain and a distorted view of their body size
and shape. As a result, they strive to maintain a very low body weight. Some restrict their food
intake by dieting, fasting, or excessive exercise. People with anorexia try to eat as little as
possible, and take in as few calories as they can, frequently obsessing over food intake.
Bulimia is characterized by habitual binge eating and purging. Someone with bulimia may
undergo weight fluctuations, but rarely experiences the low weight associated with anorexia.
Both disorders can involve compulsive exercise or other forms of purging food eaten, such as by
self-induced vomiting or laxative use.
Although anorexia and bulimia are very similar, people with anorexia are usually very thin and
underweight but those with bulimia may be a normal weight or even overweight.
Binge eating disorders, food phobia, and body image disorders are also becoming increasingly
common in adolescence.
It’s important to remember that eating disorders can easily get out of hand and are difficult
habits to break. Eating disorders are serious clinical problems that require professional
treatment by doctors, therapists, and nutritionists.
CAUSES OF EATING DISORDERS
The causes of eating disorders aren’t entirely clear. However, a combination of psychological,
genetic, social, and family factors are thought to be involved.
For kids with eating disorders, there may be a difference between the way they see themselves
and how they actually look. People with anorexia or bulimia often have an intense fear of gaining
weight or being overweight and think they look bigger than they actually are. Also, certain sports
and activities (like cheerleading, gymnastics, ballet, ice skating, and wrestling) that emphasize
certain weight classes may put some kids or teens at greater risk for eating disorders.
There is also an increased incidence of other problems among kids and teens with eating
disorders, like anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Sometimes, problems at
home can put kids at higher risk of problem eating behaviors.
Some research suggests that media images contribute to the rise in the incidence of eating
disorders. Most celebrities in advertising, movies, TV, and sports programs are very thin, and this
may lead girls to think that the ideal of beauty is extreme thinness. Boys, too, may try to emulate
a media ideal by drastically restricting their eating and compulsively exercising to build muscle
mass.
Concerns about eating disorders are also beginning at an alarmingly young age. Research shows
that 42% of first- to third-grade girls want to be thinner, and 81% of 10-year-olds are afraid of
being fat. In fact, most kids with eating disorders began their disordered eating between the ages
of 11 and 13.
Many kids who develop an eating disorder have low self-esteem and their focus on weight can
be an attempt to gain a sense of control at a time when their lives feel more out-of-control.
THE EFFECTS OF EATING DISORDERS
While eating disorders can result from serious mental and behavioral health conditions, as well
as trauma (for example, sexual abuse), they can lead to very serious physical health problems.
Anorexia or bulimia may cause dehydration and other medical complications like heart problems
or kidney failure. In extreme cases, eating disorders can lead to severe malnutrition and even
death.
With anorexia, the body goes into starvation mode and the lack of nutrition can affect the body
in many ways:
a drop in blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rate
hair loss and fingernail breakage
loss of periods
lanugo hair, a soft hair that can grow all over the skin
light headedness and inability to concentrate
anemia
swollen joints
brittle bones
With bulimia, frequent vomiting and lack of nutrients can cause:
constant stomach pain
damage to the stomach and kidneys
tooth decay (from exposure to stomach acids)
“chipmunk cheeks,” when the salivary glands permanently expand from throwing up so
often
loss of periods
loss of the mineral potassium (this can contribute to heart problems and even death)
WARNING SIGNS
It can be a challenge for parents to tell the difference between kids’ normal self-image concerns
and warning signs of an eating disorder.
While many kids and teens — girls in particular — are self-conscious, compare themselves with
others, and talk about dieting, this doesn’t necessarily mean they have eating disorders. Kids
with eating disorders show serious problems with their eating and often have physical signs.
Someone with anorexia might:
become very thin, frail, or emaciated
be obsessed with eating, food, and weight control
weigh herself or himself repeatedly
count or portion food carefully
only eat certain foods, avoid foods like dairy, meat, wheat, etc. (of course, lots of people
who are allergic to a particular food or are vegetarians avoid certain foods)
exercise excessively
feel fat
withdraw from social activities, especially meals and celebrations involving food
be depressed, lethargic (lacking in energy), and feel cold a lot
Someone with bulimia might:
fear weight gain
be intensely unhappy with body size, shape, and weight
make excuses to go to the bathroom immediately after meals
only eat diet or low-fat foods (except during binges)
regularly buy laxatives, diuretics, or enemas
spend a lot of time working out or trying to work off calories
withdraw from social activities, especially meals and celebrations involving food
IF YOU SUSPECT AN EATING DISORDER
If you suspect your son or daughter has an eating disorder, it’s important to intervene and help
your child get diagnosed and treated.
Kids with eating disorders often react defensively and angrily when confronted for the first time.
Many have trouble admitting, even to themselves, that they have a problem. Sometimes getting
a family member or friend who has been treated for an eating disorder can help encourage
someone to get help. A fear of being fat or overweight is a core problem for anyone with an
eating disorder. So it’s understandable that kids with eating disorders don’t want to go to a clinic
and “get fat.”
Trying to help when someone doesn’t think he or she needs it can be hard. Still, getting the
professional assistance needed, even if your child resists, is essential. Enlist help from friends and
family that your son or daughter trusts and loves — people known to have your child’s best
interests at heart.
Your child may be more receptive to a conversation if you focus on your own concerns and use
“I” statements rather than “you” statements. For example, steer clear of statements like “you
have an eating disorder” or “you’re too thin,” which may only prompt anger and denial. Instead,
try “I’m worried that you have lost so much weight so quickly.” Cite specific things your child has
said or done that have made you worry, and explain that you will be scheduling a doctor’s
appointment to put your own mind at ease.
If you still encounter resistance, talk with your doctor or a mental health care professional about
other approaches.
The other day I heard my 13-year-old daughter complain, “I’m fat.” She’s started to stay away
from family meals and says she’s not hungry. I’m upset that she’s already worried about her
weight and that she may be developing an eating disorder. How do I know if there’s a problem
and what can I do to help her if there is?
– Dana
It’s common for teens to be concerned about how they look and to feel self-conscious about
their weight. During puberty, kids’ bodies change dramatically and they face mounting social
pressures, like dating, making friends, and fitting in.
But when these concerns become obsessions or begin to involve abnormal behaviors or negative
thoughts about body image, weight, and food, eating disorderscan occur. Someone who starts to
do things that are emotionally or physically dangerous in order to lose weight may have an
eating problem.
Other signs of an eating disorder include becoming very thin, having a fear of weight gain,
playing with or moving food around on the plate instead of eating it, exercising compulsively,
loss of menstrual periods, or constantly talking about weight and food. Some people with eating
disorders binge eat, then induce vomiting, use laxatives, or use diuretics.
If you’re concerned that your daughter may have an eating disorder, it’s important to get her the
help she may need right away. Let her know that you’re worried because of the things that you
have noticed. Disordered eating can be very dangerous and can lead to a variety of health
problems. Have your daughter talk to a counselor, doctor, or a mental health professional.
TREATING EATING DISORDERS
Treatment focuses on helping kids cope with their disordered eating behaviors and establish new
patterns of thinking about and approaching food. This can involve medical supervision,
nutritional counseling, and therapy. The professionals will address a child’s perception about
body size, shape, eating, and food.
Kids who are severely malnourished may require hospitalization and ongoing care after their
medical condition stabilizes.
Generally, the earlier the intervention (ideally, before malnutrition or a continual binge-purge
cycle starts), the shorter the treatment required.
PREVENTING EATING DISORDERS
You can play a powerful role in your child’s development of healthy attitudes about food and
nutrition. Your own body image can influence your kids. If you constantly say “I’m fat,” complain
about exercise, and practice “yo-yo” dieting, your kids might feel that a distorted body image is
normal and acceptable.
At a time of great societal concern about obesity, it can be tricky for parents to talk with their
kids about their eating habits. It’s best to emphasize health, rather than weight. Make sure your
kids know you love them for who they are, not how they look.
It’s OK to appreciate attractiveness in celebrities — if your kids (and you!) feel fine about how
they look, it won’t prompt them to try to change to be like someone else. Getting the message
that they’re great as they are and that their bodies are healthy and strong is a wonderful gift that
parents can give their kids.
Try to avoid power struggles regarding food — if your teen wants to “go vegetarian,” be
supportive even if you’re an avid meat-eater. Teens frequently go through trendy eating periods,
so try to set good limits, encourage healthy eating, and avoid fighting over food issues. Kids can
catch on pretty quickly if their parents panic over one skipped meal. Try to gain perspective and
talk to your kids about what’s going on if they don’t want to eat with the family.
Finally, take an active role in creating a healthy lifestyle for your family. Involve your kids in the
preparation of healthy, nutritious meals. Let them know that it’s OK to eat when hungry and
refuse food when they’re not. Also, make exercise a fun, rewarding, and regular family activity.
Developing your own healthy attitudes about food and exercise will set an excellent example for
your kids.
%20(1).png)
