Eating Disorders – the Indicators and Their Effect on Your Child

There are several indicators of eating disorders that are exhibited by people who have the condition. While many studies have been done on the disorders, there has yet to be a concrete cause or treatment found that could be used for all individuals who suffer from one of the many eating disorders around nowadays. The disorder is primarily found in pre-teen or adolescent girls who are typically over-achievers. The disorder may begin with a diet that mushrooms into a disorder.

These disorders are very insidious and difficult to identify unless family and loved ones are aware of the indicators that reveal a potential problem. A teen may appear to be a picky eater or rarely eat a meal at home. This coupled with dramatic weight loss can be a clear indication that the teen is not eating, or is not eating properly. A teen that vomits after eating a meal on a regular basis may have the eating disorder bulimia, which needs to be addressed by a professional. Friends and family are usually in the best position to identify a change in behavior and see the signs and symptoms of a disorder manifesting itself.

Most young people who suffer eating disorders feel that they do not have control over their lives. They may feel empowered when they can control what they are eating. Most of these individuals excel in sports, academics, and social interaction. They are well thought of and do not get into trouble. They are typically people pleasers who work very hard to fit in and meet the desires and expectations of authority figures.

Most eating disorders begin gradually and, by the time they are identified, a long period of treatment must take place. The earlier treatment starts for these conditions, the more successful the individual with the disorder is at overcoming the condition. One indicator of the condition is the teen who develops an acute interest in nutrition, exercise, and calories. Most teens with eating disorders know the calories of every bite of food that goes into their mouth and will exercise compulsively to rid themselves of the calories they may consume from food. In some cases, teens will refuse to eat any food that is not in a shape that can be accounted for. They will eat a specific number of peas, macaroni, or other small food, then exercise to burn the calories they feel they have gained from eating that food.

Another indicator is the teen that wears bulky, layered clothing and refuses to change clothes or wear shorts in front of people. They feel fat, are hiding their bodies, and may have an inordinate level of modesty. An anorexic sees themselves as fat no matter how much weight they lose and layering clothing that is too large is a way they can hide their bodies from others.

When a teen will not wear shorts in the hot summer, or wears layered bulky clothing at all times, it is a good indication that there may be some body image issue and a professional will be of great assistance in determining how deep the issue goes.

If a person has dull and thinning hair, sallow skin, and is constantly tired, they may be exhibiting eating disorder symptoms. When the body does not get the nutrients that it needs, the skin will become very thin and the organs of the body will begin to break down. It will be important when these indicators appear that family and friends get professional assistance to address the disorder and help the person with the disorder define a new body image.

Each year, more than 5 million Americans are affected by that of serious and often life-threatening disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge-eating, compulsive eating, and obesity for example. An eating disorder clinic can provide you with all the eating disorder help you need. For more free info, please visit our website.