Teen Eating Disorders
The teenage years can be very troubled ones for many, and there are many problems and issues that can arise during these years, which can affect the teen as well as his or her parents and family. One of the issues that commonly arises during the teenage years is that of health and nutrition, and more specifically that of eating disorders. Although eating disorders tend to affect teen girls more than boys, it is important to remember that both sexes can be affected by such disorders.
- If you feel that your teen is suffering from any sort of eating disorder, it is important that you seek professional help wherever required. The problem is usually a deeper one than simply wanting to lose weight, and could be the effects of depression, bullying, and even drug or alcohol use.
- Anorexia is an eating disorder that affects many teens, and this is where the teen refuses to eat or eats very little and his or her weight plummets.
- Bulimia can also affect teens, and this is where the teen eats, sometimes excessively, and then vomits the food back up. Look out for signs such as your teen disappearing to the bathroom after each meal, the smell of vomit on the breath, the sound of your teen being sick in the bathroom on a regular basis, and of course, dramatic weight loss.
- Obesity can also stem from eating disorders such as binge eating, where you teen may be comfort eating and trying to forget about other problems and issues by over eating. In this situation the teen will gain weight and his or her health may start to suffer as a consequence.
- In order to try and reduce the risk of eating disorders, try and ensure that the whole family has their meals together at the table, and that the food provided is nutritionally balanced. Avoid buying too many rich foods and sugary snacks, and stock up on healthier options. Discourage your teen from eating alone in their room.
- Whatever the eating disorder, you should remember that there is usually a reason, which could be anything from peer pressure to look different to depression. It is important to get to the root of the problem, and to communicate with your teen in order to find out what the issue is. And it is important that you seek the professional help required in order to reduce the risk of the problem getting out of hand.