Warning Signs of Eating Disorders

by Teresa McEntire | More from this Blogger

18 Dec 2006 03:32 PM

The media constantly portrays the perfect woman as a slim and beautiful size 6, yet statistics show that the average woman is between sizes 11 and 14. As a result there is an increase in cases of eating disorders primarily among women. A survey completed by Exeter University in Great Britain reported that over half of the 37,500 teenage girls surveyed reported that their appearance was the biggest concern in their lives. They also found that 59% of girls who suffered from low self-esteem ages twelve to thirteen were dieting. Sadly about three percent of these girls will go to far and become anorexic or bulimic. In the US experts estimate that three in every one hundred women will have an eating disorder at some time in their life and one in every one hundred men.

As parents it is important that we recognize the warning signs of eating disorders. Without help 20-25% of those with eating disorders will die. With treatment the numbers fall to 2-3%. The sooner the disorder is diagnosed the better of your child will be.

Between the ages of 8 and 14 the average girl gains about 40 pounds. Where once they were all skin and bones they find that they are gaining curves and for many girls this is horrifying. No one wants to be fat and unfortunately for some this desire gains extreme proportions. When I was teaching sixth grade I had two girls, that I considered very thin, who felt they were too fat. They stopped eating lunch in hopes that they would lose weight. This of course concerned me immensely. They had no weight to lose. They were on the path to anorexia. One of the teachers I taught with had experienced her own battle with anorexia and we tried to let the girl's parents know what was going on. I can only hope that they took the warning signs seriously.

The Boys and Girls Town has a list of eating disorder warning signs that every parent should be familiar with.

Anorexia warning signs

• Weight loss
• Distorted body image
• Fear of weight gain
• Constantly talking about their weight
• Loss of menstrual periods
• Preoccupations with food, calories, and fat content
• Change in eating habits
• Pushing food around on the plate and eating few bites
• Loss of hair and nail quality
• Cold hands and feet
• Hyperactivity and compulsive exercising
• Low sense of self-worth and self-control
• Insomnia, weakness and exhaustion
• Dry, brittle skin

Bulimia warning signs

• Eating huge amounts of food at one time
• Use of laxatives, diuretics, vomit inducers and diet pills
• Frequent bathroom visits after meals
• Preoccupied with body weight
• Depression and mood swings
• Low sense of self-control
• Swollen glands in neck and face
• Heartburn, bloating, indigestion and constipation
• Dental problems
• Sore throat
• Weakness and exhaustion

If you even question that your child might have an eating disorder it is important to set an appointment with your child's doctor. Your doctor can then assess the situation and provide you with the necessary resources to help your child if needed.

See these related blogs for more information: Kid Fitness - Beware the Backlash

Stop Weight Loss through Bulimia and Anorexia

Body Image For Kids

What is Bulimia?

Learn more about Teresa McEntire

Teresa McEntire grew up in Utah the oldest of four children. She currently lives in Kuna, Idaho, near Boise. She and her husband Gene have been married for almost ten years.

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Mary Ann Romans (26791) 18 Dec 2006 03:11 PM

This is such an important topic. Thanks for the article.