Eating Disorders :
A General Guide for Teens
What are eating disorders?
Eating disorders can occur in both boys and girls. Although people usually think about girls having eating disorders, boys also can develop eating problems that can affect them physically and emotionally. Eating disorders affect how you think about your body and how you eat. This guide provides information to help you understand eating disorders and what to do about them.
What is anorexia nervosa?
People who starve themselves or overexercise to lose an extreme amount of weight may suffer from anorexia nervosa. People with anorexia think they are fat or overweight, even though they are not. Starvation can cause harm to organs such as the heart and brain.
These are some of the signs of starvation that may occur in anorexia nervosa:
Without proper nutrition, people do not have enough energy and cannot think clearly. They may feel cold and tired, even though they may keep up regular or even strenuous activity. They may have trouble concentrating, and may feel sad, lonely, or preoccupied with food. Nails, hair and bones can become brittle. The skin can become dry and sometimes becomes yellow or covered with soft hair. All of these are symptoms of starvation.
What is bulimia nervosa?
People with bulimia nervosa eat large amounts of food (also called bingeing) and then vomit or overexercise or use laxatives (also called purging). Because many people who binge and purge are able to maintain their normal weight, they may keep their problem a secret for years. Purging can cause the loss of important minerals, life-threatening heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and damage to teeth. People with bulimia often feel bad about themselves and ashamed of their bingeing and purging. They may feel that this behavior is out of their control.
What causes eating disorders?
No one knows for sure what causes eating disorders. One factor may be participation in a sport that encourages thinness or fitness, such as wrestling, running, or gymnastics. Another factor can be a comment made by a friend or family member about your weight. Sometimes there is a problem in the family, even though it may not be discussed. Also, society places a lot of pressure on young people to be thin and attractive through television, movies, and magazine ads. People with eating disorders often feel that they must always try to be perfect.
How can I help prevent eating disorders?
In order to prevent eating disorders in our culture, it is important for us to look at our own beliefs and behaviors. Developing a sense of who you are as a unique and worthwhile individual is extremely important. It will help you to focus on things that are meaningful to you, instead of just trying to please others.
Many young men and women with eating disorders have been teased about their weight or body shape sometime in the past. Although it may not seem like a big deal to mention weight, it can be very painful. Television, movies, and magazines try to make us believe that unless you are very thin or in great shape or muscular, you can't be attractive. We are all different sizes and shapes, and weight does not show our true value as human beings.
The dieting industry also may push people to try to change their bodies. With the advertising of weight loss programs, special foods, and diet pills, many young men and women have come to accept dieting as a part of growing up. However, dieting and restricting calories can cause serious health problems.
What should I do if I think I may have an eating disorder?
If you think you have an eating disorder, you should talk to your parents and your doctor. Your doctor will want to check your height and weight and also check your heart rate and blood pressure, which can be affected by eating disorders. You should also see a nutritionist who can help you know how much you should eat to maintain a healthy body and help you develop a plan for healthy eating. It is also important to see a counselor or therapist who can help you better understand yourself.
How can I help someone else who has an eating disorder?
If you know someone with an eating disorder, the best thing you can do is give support and encouragement and urge the person to get help. Young men with eating disorders may be less willing to talk about the issue so it is particularly important to help them deal with feelings of self doubt and shame. Encourage your friend to talk with a health care provider or trusted adult to identify treatment options. Talk to your parents or your counselor about how to get your friend help. Don’t feel you need to do it alone.
Updated: 5/27/2009
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