Eating Disorders in Teens | Orlando Counselor

Eating disorders can and typically are debilitating and cause extensive long-term damage to those suffering from them. Teens are at an even greater risk for developing eating disorders, with most of them occurring between ages 12 and 25. During these ages, teens can become preoccupied with food and develop a distorted body image from outside influences. 

Deadliest mental illness

Those suffering from eating disorders have a higher rate of suicide and medical complications that stem from their disorder. Because of this, they are among the most deadly mental illnesses. Those experiencing such dissatisfaction with their body image may develop depression, turn to substance abuse, and form suicidal thoughts. Depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders may also be present in addition to the eating disorder, which increases the severity. 

What are the most common eating disorders?

The most common and well-known eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). 

• Anorexia nervosa is characterized by restricting food intake which causes starvation in an attempt to be thin or lose weight. Those with this eating disorder may also have low self-esteem and a need for control, which they get when they restrict. 

• Bulimia nervosa is characterized by binge eating (eating large amounts of food at once) and purging (removing the food through vomiting, extreme exercising, or using laxatives after binging).

•  Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder involves extreme pickiness with eating and results in considerable weight loss, lack of growth, and nutrition deficiencies. 

Symptoms and warning signs

Fasting, binge eating, skipping meals, avoiding certain food or food groups, self-induced vomiting, the use of diet pills, etc. are all behaviors that parents and adults should be on the lookout for. Teens with anorexia or bulimia may also be experiencing fatigue, poor sleep habits, headaches, depressive or anxious behaviors, and nutritional deficiencies that cause metabolic problems. 

Online encouragement of eating disorders

The internet can be a scary place. “Pro-ana” (pro-anorexia) sites are filled with encouragement and validation for those with eating disorders to continue their disordered eating and engage in further, harmful ways to lose weight. Avoiding these sites is crucial when suffering from a life-threatening eating disorder. 

Recovery 

The good news is that recovery is possible. In 2018, a long-term study was done at Massachusetts General Hospital that found two-thirds of women with anorexia or bulimia eventually recover from their eating disorders. Twenty-two years into the study, almost 63% of participants with eating disorders were considered to be recovered.  

Attention, assessment, and treatment 

Teens are usually very secretive about these disorders and hide them from their friends and family. Being attentive and noticing the warning signs could help parents get their children beneficial treatment help. As stated previously, those with eating disorders may also be suffering from depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, so recognizing and treating these issues as well is also important. Treatment for eating disorders generally includes individual and family therapy, medication prescriptions, and seeing a nutritionist. These treatments can help those with eating disorders turn the negative relationship they may have with food back into a positive one. 

Edited by TLC Interns: Jillian Meloro and Christopher Williams 

References: 

https://health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/2018-01-04/the-truth-about-teen-eating-disorders

https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorders/eating-disorders-explained/disordered-eating-and-dieting/

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/arfid.html

https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Teenagers-With-Eating-Disorders-002.aspx