Learn more about how eating disorders can affect a child’s life.
While news reports and magazines have started to bring issues like eating disorders into the limelight, it’s important that we also acknowledge how serious and
common eating disorders actually are. While we never want to think that our children will ever develop an eating disorder, it’s important to know what to look for to make sure that your child is displaying healthy eating habits. Learn more about childhood eating disorders and the impact it can have on your growing child.
Q. What are the most common types of eating disorders?
A. There are three primary types of eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. Anorexia is when a child or teen refuses to eat. Bulimia is when a child binges on food and then throws it up. Binge eating is similar to bulimia, but involves binging on food without throwing it up afterward. Some children may experience bouts of both kinds of eating disorders throughout their lives.
Q. At what age are eating disorders most common?
A. While the majority of eating disorders are found in teens and early adults, it can still happen to children, too. Eating disorders are also more common in women, but men also experience these disorders. Currently, men account for about five to 15 percent of anorexia or bulimia cases. Binge eating tends to be the most common eating disorder for men.
Q. What causes an eating disorder?
A. While there is no single direct cause associated with eating disorders, there are a variety of factors that can play into the development of one. Cultural and societal pressures from TV shows and magazines may influence girls to lose weight. Those with eating disorders may also suffer from low self-esteem or struggle with other psychological issues like anxiety or depression.
Q. What makes an eating disorder so dangerous?
A. Eating disorders can cause serious physical complications, even cardiac arrest. When our bodies don’t get enough nutrients, organ damage can occur. Those with anorexia can also develop low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and frail, thinning bones.
Q. What are the signs of anorexia?
A. The most common symptoms of anorexia include excessive exercising, fear of becoming fat, avoiding mealtimes and not eating, and sudden weight loss. Those with anorexia may also be depressed, highly critical of themselves or anxious.
Q. What are the signs of bulimia?
A. Bulimics also fear gaining weight, and are usually unhappy with the way their bodies look. The classic signs of bulimia include binging on excessive amounts of food and then vomiting after eating. Those with bulimia may also abuse alcohol, take laxatives, exercise excessively or display mood swings.
Q. How do you treat an eating disorder?
A. Treatments including behavior modification, psychotherapy, antidepressants, support groups and even nutritional counseling can all be extremely helpful to sufferers of these disorders.
Concerned that your child might have an eating disorder? Talk to your child’s pediatrician for more information on how to get diagnosis and where to find the best treatment options in your community.