Eating Disorders in Teens

Common Eating Disorders in Teens

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexic teens literally starve themselves. They have a poor body image and usually a false perception of their bodies. No matter how much weight they lose, in their eyes they are never thin enough.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia is based on the premise of binge and purge. Sufferers will eat massive quantities of food and then purge their bodies of this food through induced vomiting or the use of laxatives and diuretics. They may also refuse to eat after a binge or exercise to the point of exhaustion trying to work the calories off.

Binge-Eating Disorder

While binge-eating disorder has not officially been approved as a psychiatric condition, some consider it a potential eating disorder. A teen who is binge eating will eat a large amount of food in a short amount of time. He or she tends to feel out of control and ashamed about the behavior. Binge eating can lead to health problems like high blood pressure and heart disease.

Boys and Eating Disorders

While eating disorders are most common in teen girls, teen boys are not immune to the problems of anorexia and bulimia. Guys participating in weight-focused sports like wrestling may be most at risk, but anyone can fall prey to a poor body image. Friends and family may also overlook signs of an eating disorder in males, thinking it's not possible.

Warning Signs

• Weight loss
• Unrealistic body image
• Going to the bathroom immediately after meals
• Excessive eating with no apparent weight gain
• Use of laxatives, diuretics, or diet pills
• Unhealthy attention to weight and food, which may include constant dieting and counting calories obsessively
• Cutting food into small pieces, pushing food around the plate, and similar tactics to make it look like they have eaten more at meals than they actually have
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Wearing baggy clothes to hide the body
• Compulsive exercising
• Evidence of vomiting - including damage to teeth and marks on the back of the hands from inducing vomiting

Health Effects

Anorexia

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Loss of muscle and bone density
• Dry skin
• Dry hair
• Constipation
• Loss of periods or delay of menstruation
• A fine hair called lanugo may grow on the body
• Heart, liver, and kidney failure

Bulimia

• Dehydration
• Bowel problems from constant use of laxatives
• Damage to the esophagus
• Tooth damage from stomach acid
• Heart failure

Seeking Help

If you're afraid your friend is anorexic or bulimic, tell a parent, teacher, coach, or other trusted adult. Don't keep it a secret - your friend needs help. KidsHealth.org offers additional suggestions on recognizing a friend that may have an eating disorder and steps you can take to help.

If you think you may be anorexic or bulimic, ask your parents to make an appointment with a doctor or therapist. Hopefully, this will be the first step on your road to recovery and a healthier body image.

Online Resources

The following websites offer resources, articles, and advice for those seeking more information on eating disorders in teens:

• The University of Michigan Health System has created an eating disorders page aimed at parents, with a basic overview of anorexia and bulimia, signs of an eating disorder, and links to relevant articles.
• The National Institute of Mental Health offers a short eating disorders booklet. You can read it on the website, download a PDF file, or order a print copy.
• The National Eating Disorders Assocation seeks to prevent eating disorders while encouraging treatment for those who suffer from them. In addition to the basic information on eating disorders, the site offers a few unique resources like "Eating Disorders Survival Guide & Insurance Issues" and "Twelve Ideas to Help People with Eating Disorders Negotiate the Holidays".
• The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry offers a basic fact sheet on eating disorders.