Many people place an importance on their appearance. This may be especially true for children and teenagers who may feel self- conscious about their bodies. In some cases, this concern may even turn into an eating disorder.
Eating disorders are serious psychological disorders that affect people of all ages, but are most commonly found in teenagers and young adults. Many of those who develop an eating disorder are between the ages of 13 and 17, a time for most that is filled with physical changes, peer pressure and academic stress.
During puberty, many adolescents and teens, especially girls, experience feelings of low self-esteem and pressure to be thin.
There is no one cause of eating disorders, but they have been linked to several different biological, psychological and environmental factors. These include genetics, psychological problems, obsession with perfectionism, lack of control or personal freedom, family relationships, depression and anxiety.
Additionally, involvement in a sport that stresses the importance of being thin, such as ballet or gymnastics, has also been linked to eating disorders.
The three most common types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a pathological fear of weight gain, leading to self-starvation and distortion of body image. Common symptoms include obsession with food and fear of weight gain; compulsively counting calories; weighing him or herself obsessively; becoming very thin, frail or emaciated; and excessive exercise.
Bulimia nervosa is the consumption of large amounts of food at once, followed by compensation through either purging or excessive exercise. Those with bulimia may feel an intense fear of weight gain; binge on large amounts of food all at once; make excuses to visit the bathroom after meals; force vomiting ("purging") or partake in excessive exercise after bingeing; or purchase laxatives or diuretics regularly.
Binge eating disorder is the consumption of unnaturally large quantities of food in a short span of time, without compensation for the food consumed. Common symptoms include frequently eating an abnormally large amount of food in a short period of time; eating until uncomfortably full; usually eating alone out of embarrassment; and feelings of guilt and depression after eating large amounts of food.
Eating disorders can lead to serious physical and psychological health problems, such as anxiety, depression, heart conditions, severe malnutrition, stomach damage, kidney failure and, in rare cases, even death.
If you are concerned that your child is exhibiting signs of an eating disorder, be sure to talk to your child's pediatrician. Eating disorders can be treated in several ways, depending on the specific disorder.
Always remember that love, support and acceptance are imperative to the recovery process.
No matter how old your child is, it's important to help build his or her self-esteem with positive and accurate feedback and to encourage healthy attitudes about nutrition and appearances. Doing so will help your child build a positive image of him or herself for years to come.
Dr. Marta Markman is a MedStar Harbor Hospital pediatrician at MedStar HealthPark Pediatrics, 8109 Ritchie Highway in Pasadena. For more information or to make an appointment, call 410-590-8826 or visit www.MedStarHarbor.org/Pediatrics.