Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are dangerous illnesses that can have long-term negative effects. Eating disorders are not just about weight. People with eating disorders may have issues with control or self-esteem and may also be struggling with depression, substance abuse, and/or anxiety disorders.
Eating disorders affect females at a higher rate than males, but many males are also affected by eating disorders.xxxii, xxxiii Some pre-teens, teens, and young adults with eating disorders may eat very little, or worry intensely over calories. Others might eat a lot of food at once and then either vomit or take laxatives to try to purge the food from their bodies. Still others might overeat, often very quickly and in secret. Three main eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder.
The sooner an eating disorder is discovered, the better the chances are for a child to have a full recovery. Eating disorders should never be ignored.
Eating disorders can be very serious and life threatening. If you believe that your child is suffering from any type of eating disorder, please talk to a health care provider like a nurse or doctor, the counselor at your child’s school, or a mental health professional.
Signs: Teens who have anorexia will start to avoid food and meals or will pick out a few foods to eat in small amounts. Other teens with anorexia might begin to worry about counting the calories of everything they eat.
Problems: Anorexia can slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure. The resulting malnutrition can also cause damage to the brain and lead to heart failure. Anorexia may also cause hair and nails to grow brittle. Skin may dry out, become yellow, and develop a covering of soft hair called lanugo. Mild anemia, swollen joints, reduced muscle mass, and light-headedness are also common. In some severe cases, anorexia can lead to brittle bones as a result of calcium loss.xxxiv
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Signs: Children with bulimia eat too much food at one time and will then try to get rid of the food, either by vomiting or using supplements like laxatives or diuretics (water pills). This behavior often is referred to as the "binge/purge" cycle. Both bulimics and anorexics have a deep fear of gaining weight.
Problems: The acid in vomit can wear down the outer layer of the teeth, inflame and damage the esophagus, and enlarge the glands near the cheeks, so the cheeks look swollen. Frequent vomiting can also damage the stomach. Peptic ulcers, pancreatitis, and long-term constipation are consequences of bulimia. Irregular heartbeats, heart failure, and death can also occur from chemical imbalances and the loss of important minerals such as potassium.
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Signs: Teens suffering from this disorder have frequent episodes of compulsive overeating. Unlike those with bulimia, they do not try to purge the food from their bodies.xxxv When they binge, they will often eat quickly and in secret and they often then feel shame or guilt. Unlike anorexia and bulimia, almost as many men as women have binge-eating disorder.xxxvi
Problems: Binge-eating disorder can cause high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Other effects of binge-eating disorder include fatigue, joint pain, Type II diabetes, gallbladder disease, and heart disease.
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This web site describes some of the common mental health problems that affect teens, including:
Last revised: March 27, 2009
