Help! I Think My Child Has an Eating Disorder

Eating disorders are becoming a huge problem for teenagers but they are not the only age group affected. The phenomenon is reaching children of even younger ages. It is estimated that ten percent of all children with eating disorders are under the age of ten. If you are concerned that your child will develop an eating disorder or fear they already have one, there are some things you can do in regards to prevention, looking for clues and seeking treatment.

Types

There are three major types of eating disorders. Anorexia Nervosa is a condition in which a person severely limits their intact of food. They also tend to exercise excessively. Bulimia is a disorder in which the person will eat large amounts of food and then make themselves throw up before they can absorb any of the calories. There are also binge eaters that do not throw up but balloon up in weight as they eat compulsively. Though these disorders are primarily associated with girls, boys are also just as likely to develop the disorders.

Why?

The reason a child develops an eating disorder is never simple. On the outside it seem to be related to appearance and body image. In a way this is true, however it is likely the problem runs much deeper than that. Children who experience high amounts of stress are more prone to developing an eating disorder. Most often the child feels out of control so they control the one thing they can, their eating habits. Low self esteem often plays a huge role in an eating disorder as well.

Signs

Here are some signs that your child may have developed an eating disorder. Keep in mind that just one sign may mean nothing. Look for a combination of different signs to determine if there is a problem.