Weight and eating behavior problems can be very stressful and damaging to your teen’s overall well-being. The social effects include low self-esteem and isolation. The physical health effects that can develop as your child grows into an adult can be serious.
If you are concerned about your child’s weight, talk to your family doctor. Your doctor can help determine whether your child has a weight problem by calculating his or her body mass index (BMI). The BMI is an approximate measure of body fat. It is based on your child’s height and weight.
You can also observe your teen’s behavior and eating patterns. People who have an eating problem or disorder are usually very preoccupied with food and their weight. They can go to extremes when it comes to food and eating. Eating disorders can cause serious health problems that can become life-threatening.
Signs of eating disorders are sometimes obvious, but not always. Often, teens may work very hard to hide an eating disorder. You may suspect your teen has an eating disorder if you notice certain patterns of behavior or physical symptoms, or find food missing from the cupboards, or empty containers hidden in your teen’s room or elsewhere.
The box to the right lists a few signs and symptoms of some of the most common eating problems and disorders. Signs and symptoms of eating problems and disorders are numerous and varied. If you notice and become concerned about any of the signs and symptoms listed in the box below, talk to your child’s doctor. He or she can help evaluate your child’s specific symptoms, and recommend the best way to help your child.
Binge-eating disorder is an eating disorder in which a person regularly (more than 3 times a week) consumes large amounts of food. People who have binge-eating disorder are often embarrassed by the amount of food they eat, and may hide food for binges. People who have this disorder often try to diet without success or promise to stop eating so much, but they can’t resist the compulsion to keep eating large amounts of food.
The risks of being overweight or obese as an adult are greater if excess weight is gained during childhood or teenage years. Health conditions associated with overweight and obesity include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, sleep apnea and some types of cancer.
People who have anorexia are obsessed with being thin. They don't want to eat, and they are afraid of gaining weight. They may constantly worry about how many calories they take in or how much fat is in their food. They may take diet pills, laxatives or water pills to lose weight. They may exercise too much. People who have anorexia usually think they're fat even though they're very thin. They may get so thin that they look like they're sick.
Bulimia is eating a lot of food at once (called bingeing), and then throwing up or using laxatives to remove the food from the body (called purging). After a binge, some bulimics fast (don't eat) or overexercise to keep from gaining weight. People who have bulimia may also use water pills, laxatives or diet pills to "control" their weight. People who have bulimia often try to hide their bingeing and purging. They may hide food for binges. People who have bulimia are usually close to normal weight, but their weight may go up and down.
Emotional eating is eating for comfort, out of boredom or in response to other emotions rather than eating for nutrition or because you are hungry. Children, teens and adults can experience emotional eating at one time or another.
If your child is suffering from an eating disorder, the sooner you address the problem the better. By intervening early, you can help your child prevent the health risks associated with eating disorders and of being overweight or obese.
Talking with your child about a possible eating disorder or problem will probably be challenging, so be prepared. Most likely, your child will deny that there even is a problem.
Let your child know that the discussion is not optional. Set a time to talk with your child, and open the conversation in a loving and gentle manner, avoiding accusations or judgments. But be persistent in expressing your concerns. Talk in “I” sentences, such as “I am concerned for you.” Avoid “you” statements, such as, “You are sneaking food.”
Often, it helps simply to be compassionate and to let your child know you are there to help and support him or her. Realize your child is facing many changes and social pressures. Your main role initially may be to listen.
If you suspect your child has an eating problem or disorder, talk to your family doctor. Children who have an eating disorder often need family and individual counseling (talking about their feelings, about their weight and other problems in their life). Your doctor may also want you to take your child to see a dietitian to learn how to pick healthy foods and eat at regular times.
It’s also very important to do what you can to ensure your child feels loved and supported by family and friends. Feeling secure and accepted can help form a strong foundation from which your child can begin to learn new, healthier habits.
Below are some specific tips on helping your child establish healthy habits toward food and exercise:
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Identification and management of eating disorders in children and adolescents by Rosen DS (Pediatrics. 2010;126(6):1240-53 , http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/126/6/1240)
Screening high school students for eating disorders: results of a national initiative by Austin SB, Ziyadeh NJ, Forman S, Prokop LA, Keliher A, Jacobs D (Prev Chronic Dis 2008;5(4):A114 , http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2008/oct/07_0164.htm)
American Psychiatric Association. APA Practice Guidelines. Treatment of Patients With Eating Disorders, Third Edition. Accessed January 14, 2011
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff