Eating disorders are not just about food, weight, appearance, or willpower but complex and life-threatening illnesses. The typical onset of eating disorders typically occurs during pre-adolescence or adolescence. Serious medical complications may result from eating disorders, so it is critical to identify, diagnose, and get treatment as early as possible. Recovery is possible with early diagnosis and proper treatment. 

The most common types of eating disorders are:

  1. Anorexia nervosa often simply called anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by weight loss, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of weight.
  2. Bulimia nervosa, commonly called bulimia, is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder. People with bulimia may secretly binge — eating large amounts of food with a loss of control over the eating — and then purge, trying to get rid of the extra calories in an unhealthy way.
  3. Binge-eating disorder is a serious eating disorder in which you frequently consume unusually large amounts of food and feel unable to stop eating.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders

Behavioral

  1. Dieting behaviors like fasting, counting calories, avoidance of specific types of foods
  2. Evidence of binge eating such as disappearing or hoarding food
  3. Evidence of deliberate vomiting or laxative use, especially during or immediately after meals
  4. Excessive, obsessive, or ritualistic exercise patterns
  5. Rigid patters around food selection, preparation, and eating
  6. Avoidance of eating meals, especially when in a social setting
  7. Lying about the amount or type of food consumed
  8. Evading questions about eating and weight
  9. Feeling guilty about eating

Physical

  1. Noticeable weight fluctuations in either direction
  2. Changes in or loss of periods
  3. Swelling around the cheeks or jaw, calluses on knuckles, or dental discoloration from vomiting
  4. Fainting
  5. Sensitivity to cold
  6. Loss of hair or brittle nails
  7. Muscle weakness
  8. Gastrointestinal pain/issues
  9. Difficulty concentrating
  10. Weakened immune system

Psychological

  1. A distorted view of one’s body weight, size or shape; sees self as too fat, even when very underweight
  2. Preoccupation with food
  3. Extreme body dissatisfaction
  4. Sensitivity to comments or criticisms
  5. Heightened anxiety around meals or meal times
  6. Depression, anxiety, or irritability
  7. Low self-esteem
  8. Rigid thinking

*It is important to note that though a teen may be experiencing some of these symptoms, it does not mean that they are struggling with an eating disorder. If you have any concerns please contact your child’s doctor. 

 

Risk Factors for Youth Eating Disorders

  1. Family members with an eating disorder
  2. History of mental illness in the family
  3. Early start of periods in girls
  4. Low self-esteem
  5. Perfectionism
  6. Anxiety
  7. Conflict in the home
  8. Trauma
  9. Abuse
  10. History of dieting
  11. Burning off more calories than consumed
  12. Family history of dieting
  13. Parental obesity
  14. Critical comments from others about eating, weight, or body shape
  15. Environmental stress
  16. Belief that thinner is better
  17. Being the victim of bullying
  18. Loneliness and isolation

*It is important to note that just because an adolescent has or is dealing with one or more of these risk factors, does not mean they will develop an eating disorder. If you have any concerns please contact you child’s doctor.

Things You Can Do To  Help Your Child With Eating Disorders

  1. Listen nonjudgmentally
  2. Seek professional help
    1. Contact your family doctor or pediatrician and make an appointment. Let them know you suspect an eating disorder and that your child needs to be screened. This is critical because of how dangerous eating disorders are.
    2. Make sure they are seeing a mental health professional as well as their family doctor. Communication between you, your child’s medical team, and communication with your child is important. You may not discuss everything with your child, but providing them with some knowledge of their condition can help them process their illness and may provide them with a sense of control. Gain advice from their mental health provider on how best to approach your child and for tips on what to say.
  3.  When they are speaking don’t interrupt, it may be difficult for them to communicate how they are feeling
  4.  Don’t be critical or express frustration
  5.  Don’t use unhelpul advice like “you are not fat”, “you just need to eat”, “or you are too fat, stop eating”
  6.  Take it seriously
  7.  Acknowledge their struggle
  8.  Remember, they are dealing with an illness
  9.  Know that many adolescents with mental illness grow up to live happy, full lives
  10.  Stay calm
  11.  Validate their feelings
  12.  Remind them that they are loved
  13.  Explain in a clear and calm manner why are you are concerned
  14.  Be patient and supportive
  15.  Encourage connectedness

For more information on eating disorders please visit https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/