STATISTICS

 

-90 % of those who have eating disorders are girls/women between the ages of 12 and 25. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, The Center for Mental Health Services, offices of the US Department of Health and Human Services.

-It is estimated that currently 11% of high school students have been diagnosed with an eating disorder. ANAD Ten Year Study. National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. www.anad.org

-51% of 9 and 10 year-old girls feel better about themselves if they are on a diet. Mellin LM, Irwin CE & Scully S: Disordered eating characteristics in girls: A survey of middle class children. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 1992; 92:851-53.

-42% of 1st-3rd grade girls want to be thinner (Collins, 1991). Collins M.E. (1991) Body figure and preferences among pre-adolescent children. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 199-208.

-Anorexia is the 3 rd most common chronic illness among adolescents. Public Health Service’s Office in Women’s Health, Eating Disorder Information Sheet, 2000.

-81% of 10 year olds are afraid of being fat. 51% of 9 and 10 year old girls feel better about themselves if they are on a diet. Mellin LM, Irwin CE & Scully S: Disordered eating characteristics in girls: A survey of middle class children. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 1992; 92:851-53.

-46% of 9-11 year-olds are "sometimes" or "very often" on diets, and 82% of their families are "sometimes" or "very often" on diets. (Gustafson-Larson & Terry, 1992). Gustafson-Larson, A., & Terry, R.D. (1992). Weight-related behaviors and concerns of fourth-grade children. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 92, 818-822.

-Time Magazine reports that 80% of all children have been on a diet by the time that they have reached the fourth grade.

 

 

WHY TEENS DEVELOP EATING DIROSDERS

 

Eating disorders are serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions and the ability to function in important areas of life. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder.  The exact cause of eating disorders is unknown. However, certain factors might put teens at risk of developing eating disorders, including:

 

 - Societal pressure. Popular culture tends to place a premium on being thin. Even with a normal body weight, teens can easily develop the perception that they're fat. This can trigger an obsession with losing weight and dieting.

 - Favorite activities. Participation in activities that value leanness — such as modeling and elite athletics — can increase the risk of teen eating disorders.

 - Personal factors. Genetics or biological factors might make some teens more likely to develop eating disorders. Personality traits such as perfectionism, anxiety or rigidity also might play a role.

 

 

EARLY CONSEQUENCES OF EATING DISORDERS

 

Signs and symptoms vary, depending on the type of eating disorder. Be alert for eating patterns and beliefs that might signal unhealthy behavior, as well as peer pressure that may trigger eating disorders. Some red flags that might indicate an eating disorder include:

 

 - Skipping meals, making excuses for not eating or eating in secret

 - Excessive focus on food and healthy eating

 - Persistent worry or complaining about being fat and talk of losing weight

 - Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws

 - Repeatedly eating large amounts of sweets or high-fat foods

 - Use of dietary supplements, laxatives or herbal products for weight loss

 - Excessive exercise

 - Regularly going to the bathroom after eating

 - Eating much more food in a meal or snack than is considered normal

 - Expressing depression, disgust, shame or guilt about eating habits

 

 

PREVENTION BEGINS WITH OPEN COMMUNICATION

 

To help prevent teen eating disorders, talk to your son or daughter about eating habits and body image. It might not be easy, but it's important. To get started:

 

 * Encourage healthy-eating habits. Talk to your teen about how diet can affect his or her health, appearance and energy level. Encourage your teen to eat when he or she is hungry. Make a habit of eating together as a family.

 * Discuss media messages. Television programs, movies, websites and other media might send your teen the message that only a certain body type is acceptable. Encourage your teen to talk about and question what he or she has seen or heard — especially from websites or other sources that promote anorexia as a lifestyle choice, rather than an eating disorder.

 * Promote a healthy body image. Talk to your teen about his or her self-image and offer reassurance that healthy body shapes vary. Don't allow hurtful nicknames or jokes based on a person's physical characteristics. Avoid making comments about another person based on his or her weight or body shape.

 * Foster self-esteem. Respect your teen's accomplishments, and support his or her goals. Listen when your teen speaks. Look for positive qualities in your teen, such as curiosity, generosity and a sense of humor. Remind your teen that your love and acceptance is unconditional — not based on his or her weight or appearance.

 * Share the dangers of dieting and emotional eating. Explain that dieting can compromise your teen's nutrition, growth and health, as well as lead to the development of binge eating over time. Remind your teen that eating or controlling his or her diet isn't a healthy way to cope with emotions. Instead, encourage your teen to talk to loved ones, friends or a counselor about problems he or she might be facing.Use food for nourishment — not as a reward or consequence. Resist the temptation to offer food as a bribe. Similarly, don't take away food as a punishment.

 * Remember the importance of setting a good example yourself.  If you're constantly dieting, using food to cope with your emotions or talking about losing weight, you might have a hard time encouraging your teen to eat a healthy diet or feel satisfied with his or her appearance. Instead, make conscious choices about your lifestyle and take pride in your body.

 

 

TEAMING UP WITH YOUR TEEN'S DOCTOR

 

Your teen's doctor can reinforce the messages you're giving your teen at home, as well as help identify early signs of an eating disorder.  For example, the doctor can look for unusual changes in your teen's body mass index or weight percentiles during routine medical appointments. The doctor can talk to your teen about his or her eating habits, exercise routine and body image. If necessary, he or she can refer your teen to a mental health provider.

 

 

SEEKING HELP FOR TEENS WITH EATING DISORDERS

 

If you suspect that your teen has an eating disorder, talk to him or her. Encourage your teen to open up about his or her problems and concerns. Also schedule a medical checkup for your teen. The doctor can assess your teen's risk of an eating disorder, as well as order urine tests, blood tests or other tests to detect complications.  If your teen is diagnosed with an eating disorder, treatment will likely involve a specific type of family therapy that helps you work with your child to improve his or her eating habits, reach a healthy weight, and manage other symptoms. Sometimes medication is prescribed to treat accompanying mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder. In severe cases, hospitalization might be needed.  Whatever the treatment plan, remember that early intervention can help speed recovery.