Teen Girls and Eating Disorders
12:45 PM
Eating disorders affect millions of teens and young women worldwide and are more common in cultures that focus on weight loss and body image. Intense focus on thinness can lead to negative body image and unhealthy eating behaviors in young women. Sometimes, these unhealthy eating behaviors lead to eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating disorder or eating disorders not otherwise specified (ED-NOS).
What are eating disorders? There are four types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and ED-NOS (Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified). Young women with these disorders often have a negative and distorted body image, and intense emotions and behaviors surrounding food. Young women with eating disorders may start to eat less because they are afraid of gaining weight. Sometimes they binge (overeat, consuming very large quantities of food) and sometimes purge (by making themselves vomit, over-exercising, or using laxatives). Eating disorders affect a person's physical and emotional health. They are very dangerous illnesses and can be fatal if they are not treated.
What is anorexia nervosa? Anorexia nervosa is an illness that involves having an extreme desire to be thin. The key elements of anorexia nervosa are: a refusal to keep body weight at a healthy level, an intense fear of being fat, and a distorted body image. Many teens who have anorexia stop having their periods or don’t get it on a regular schedule.
| Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa | |
| Physical | Emotional |
| Dramatic weight loss | Depression |
| Slow heart rate | Anxiety or nervousness |
| Low blood pressure | Distorted body image |
| Low body temperature | Intense fear of weight gain |
| Brittle hair and finger nails | Low self-esteem |
| Hair loss | Withdrawal from friends & activities |
| Dry skin & dehydration | Thinking about food most of the time |
| Growth of lanugo (soft furry hair on face, back & arms) | |
| Amenorrhea (menstrual period stops) | |
| Slow or stunted growth | |
What is bulimia nervosa? Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that involves frequent bingeing and purging, as well as a distorted body image. Following a binge, young women with bulimia will try to get rid of food by vomiting, taking laxatives or by excessively exercising. People with bulimia may hide what they eat from others and feel afraid or ashamed of their behavior.
What are some of the health problems that girls with bulimia face? Bulimia is hard to detect from looking at a person since the health problems a teen may suffer from are not as obvious as with anorexia. For example, someone may have a normal weight, but still have bulimia. Also, they may be secretive about their eating habits so that even their family and friends are not aware that they have a problem. Bulimia is serious and can cause permanent damage to the teeth, stomach, digestive track, and heart.
| Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa | |
| Physical | Emotional |
| Electrolyte problems | Depression |
| Irregular menstrual periods | Shame or guilt |
| Dehydration | Anxiety |
| Swollen face (fluid retention) | Fear of weight gain |
| Sore throat | Withdrawal from friends |
| Tooth decay/loss | |
| Dry, flakey skin | |
| Heart arrhythmias (due to potassium loss from vomiting) | |
| Constipation | |
| Body weight is typically normal | |
What is Binge Eating Disorder? Binge eating disorder, or compulsive eating disorder, involves eating large amounts of food in short periods of time without purging. Often, people with binge eating disorder will skip meals or eat small portions when they are around others and then eat large amounts when they are alone. Young women with binge eating disorder often suffer from anxiety, depression, loneliness, shame and/or self-hatred. Their body weight can vary from normal to obese.
What is EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified)? People with EDNOS have some, but not all, of the symptoms of either anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. For example, young women struggling with EDNOS may have periods of restrictive eating (days or months) followed by periods of overeating or binge eating, or they may be at a very low weight, but not have anorexia because they still get their menstrual period. Young women with EDNOS may also maintain a stable weight that is within a medically safe range, but still have many of the other symptoms and medical complications of eating disorders.
What causes eating disorders? There are many different theories regarding the causes of eating disorders. Eating disorders are likely caused by a combination of social, psychological, family, genetic, and environmental factors. Society’s intense focus on thinness and appearance influences how young women view their bodies and their self-esteem. While this focus may not cause eating disorders, it can contribute to their development. Teens who participate in competitive sports that emphasize thinness or artistic activities, such as ballet, running, gymnastics, or skating, are more likely to develop an eating disorder. Family stress of any kind can also contribute to the development of these illnesses. Dealing with difficult transitions, loss, or teasing about weight from friends or family may trigger eating disorders.
What do I do if I think my friend has an eating disorder? It can be hard to talk to a friend who you think has an eating disorder. People who have eating disorders are often in denial and do not want to talk about their problems. They may get defensive or upset with the people in their lives who try to get them help. Do not let these reactions prevent you from trying to help someone you care about.
Before talking to your friend, think about how to approach her. If you feel that you can't approach her yourself, share the information with a trusted adult and have them get help for your friend. You may want to talk with someone first such as an adult or another friend to find out more information, as it is helpful to have names and numbers of eating disorder resources to give your friend so she can take the steps to get help.
You may need to give your friend some time after you confront her about your concerns. Do not expect that she will immediately be able to understand you or accept help right away. Dealing with eating disorders can be challenging and may take a long time. Being honest and patient with your friend will make it easier for you to support her. But most importantly, remember to tell an adult such as a parent or teacher if you are worried about a friend.
How are eating disorders treated? Eating disorders are medical and psychological problems. Treatment usually includes working with a team of specialists: a therapist, a nutritionist, and a doctor or nurse practitioner. Treatment is individualized to fit a teen's specific needs.
Excerpts taken from "Eating Disorders" by the Center for Young Women's Health. Read the article in full at http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/eating_disorders.html
Best Teen Diets recommends well balanced eating that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and low-fat or fat-free dairy. We offer nutrition information for teens, parents and educators that Emphasizes the importance of healthy eating for teens. Stay tuned for the relaunch of our website with updated content at www.bestteendiets.org.
* If you or someone you know are suffering from an eating disorder please seek help from a professional as early as possible. Eating disorders can turn deadly and are often treated more successfully if caught early on.
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