Eating disorders can develop at any time in life, but teens, who are a particularly vulnerable stage in their development, can be more susceptible to developing one. Eating Disorder Hope reported that 2.7% of teens aged 13 - 18 years old, struggle with an eating disorder. 50% of teenage girls, and 30% of teenage boys, use unhealthy ways to control their weight; these include laxative use, skipping meals, starvation, and purging after meals. Furthermore, Over 50% of teenage girls and 33% of teenage boys are using restrictive measures to lose weight at any given time. Although eating disorders are largely associated with girls, boys must not be overlooked. 90% of affected teens will be girls, and 10% boys.
Which eating disorders affect teens?
It has been reported by the Mayo Clinic, that the most common eating disorders in teens, are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Causes remain largely unknown, but it is commonly thought that the biggest triggers are popular culture; images of perfect bodies are displayed everywhere, showing unrealistic body types, which teens think they have to emulate. It's also thought that certain activities create a culture of eating disorders; sports, and anything that places emphasis on body image. It is also possible that there may be a genetic link, with eating disorders running in families, or those with perfectionist personalities likely to be affected.
What can subtle signs of eating disorders in teens include?
Health.com advises that a very subtle sign to look out for, is generalized conversation around negative body image. For example, a teen might use language such as "I'm so fat," and then change the subject, meaning nothing more is made of the throw away comment. Similarly, they can misinterpret phrases in general chat, and turn them into a negative; they assume they're being told they're fat when they're not.
It is further advised to keep an eye on the exercise regime of teens. If exercise becomes excessive, this can be a red flag. However, it is recognized that this can be difficult to define in an already active teen, or parents might be reluctant to discourage exercise in someone who has not shown an interest until that point. Signs to look out for, include a teen panicking if they miss exercise, or exercising through illness and injury.
Wearing lose and bulky clothing, is also a subtle sign, according to WebMD. Teens don't want to celebrate their loss of weight, they often want to hide it. Also, look out for changes in the way teens deal with, and consume food. They may show a reluctance to eat in public, and could be starving themselves, or waiting to eat in secret, when they can either purge the food, or not have to feel the shame of overeating. They may also show an unusual interest in cooking, creating elaborate meals that they want everyone to eat, but they show little interest in eating themselves.
Also look out for a change in bathroom habits. Frequent visits to the bathroom around mealtimes could be a cause for concern. The teen may be hiding food, purging food, or taking laxatives or diuretics to try and quickly rid themselves of the food they have consumed. Furthermore, packaging containing unusual medication such as laxatives and enemas, found with no explanation, or if they aren't part of the teen's usual routine, can be a warning sign. Also look out for excessive time spent in front of the mirror. This might not just be the teen trying to look their absolute best, but time spent looking for flaws that simply aren't there.
Can eating disorders in teens be prevented?
It is suggested by Mayo clinic, that prevention needs to start with open communication. Encouraging early healthy eating habits, and eating as a family, discussing the nutrition in your food, has all been found to help. Be frank about the dangers that starvation, vomiting, and laxative use can have on the body, and discuss the long term impact of great nutrition. Have an open discussion around how using food to control emotions will not make the underlying problem go away, but can create further problems with possible life limiting consequences.
Discuss with your teen, how damaging the media can be, when it comes to their health. Ask them what they have seen, that they feel they need to emulate, and discuss how this isn't how real bodies look. Stress that media images are not real life, and look at some body positive material, and find some body positive role models. Parents absolutely must lead by example, and never allow negative language about bodies to be used around the house, or as nicknames. Parents need to be especially cautious about how they speak of their own bodies in front of their teens.
How are eating disorders in teens treated?
It can be very difficult to get your teen to admit that they have a problem. The first step would be to visit your doctor, to get a professional opinion, and assessment or diagnosis. It is reported that with the right treatment, eating disorders in teens can be treated successfully. It has been suggested that cognitive behavioral therapies, in conjunction with medications such as antidepressants, are often the first line of treatment. All treatment plans will be different, and tailored to the needs of the teen, and their family.
Keep talking to them about their condition; they may not want to, but don't make it taboo. Don't blame or judge them, or blame yourself. If your teen is in treatment, you will need support with mealtimes, and the medical practitioner involved with your teen's care, will be able to give you tips on how to make mealtimes as stress free as possible. It might be a long journey, but help is available. Always seek medical help as soon as you suspect a problem.