Eating Disorders
AnorexiaAn eating disorder characterized by markedly reduced appetite or total aversion to food. Anorexia is a serious psychological disorder. Over time, the weight loss becomes a sign of mastery and control. The drive to become thinner is thought to be secondary to concerns about control and fears relating to one's body. The individual continues the endless cycle of restrictive eating, often to a point close to starvation. This becomes an obsession and is similar to an addiction to a drug. Anorexia can be life-threatening. It is also called anorexia nervosa.
*Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. *Anorexia is the 3rd most common chronic illness among adolescents. |
BulimiaAn eating disorder characterized by episodes of secretive excessive eating (binge-eating) followed by inappropriate methods of weight control, such as self-induced vomiting (purging), abuse of laxatives and diuretics, or excessive exercise. The insatiable appetite of bulimia is often interrupted by periods of anorexia. Bulimia is also called bulimia nervosa.
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Warning Signs
Stashes of food in the bedroom
Often backs out of dinner plans Plays with their food to avoid eating |
Has become a picky eater
Frequently makes excuses to skip meals |
Makes trips to the bathroom during or after meals
Wears baggy clothes to hide weight loss |
Obesity
Being clinically overweight which means having a body weight more than 20 percent greater than recommended for the relevant height. Obesity poses risks of several serious illnesses, including diabetes and heart disease.
Tips and Advice
*Don't joke or make judgmental comments about a teens body image.
*Set an example that you are comfortable with their body image and their relationship with food.
*Always have food available, but limit junk food.
*Limit teens exposure to media and messages about body image.
*Teach balance and moderation with eating.
*Expose teens to a healthy lifestyle.
*Set an example that you are comfortable with their body image and their relationship with food.
*Always have food available, but limit junk food.
*Limit teens exposure to media and messages about body image.
*Teach balance and moderation with eating.
*Expose teens to a healthy lifestyle.
Additional Resources
www.teeneatingdisorders.us
www.eatingdisordershelpguide.com
www.teenhelp.com
Source for this information: Operation Parent, www.operationparent.org, Parent Handbook 5th edition 2013-14
www.eatingdisordershelpguide.com
www.teenhelp.com
Source for this information: Operation Parent, www.operationparent.org, Parent Handbook 5th edition 2013-14