How To Spot Early Eating Disorder Warning Signs in Teens
Many people think that eating disorders are a choice made by the individual.Eating disorders are serious illnesses that may be caused by a mental health disorder or a genetic predisposition.The most common eating disorders are restricted eating, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.If you know the symptoms and warning signs of an eating disorder in your teen, you will be able to recognize it.
Step 1: Listen to how your teen talks about health.
If your teen is obsessed with food, healthy eating, and exercise, they may have an obsession with body image.This doesn't mean your teen has an eating disorder, but it does suggest a risk of developing one in the future.Teens may have body image issues if they complain about being fat or overweight.Before going out, teens check themselves in the mirror.If your teen is obsessed with the way they look, even when they're just staying at home, there may be some body image issues to look out for.Your teen may talk about their eating habits.Sometimes expressions of frustration or shame can be masked as sarcasm, for example, saying things like, "I eat like a total slob."It must be awful to watch me eat.
Step 2: Do you notice if your teen eats?
Irregular eating habits are a sign of an eating disorder.Some teens may claim they've already eaten, or they may take their food to their room and eat alone.Other teens may skip meals, claiming that they're not hungry, or making excuses for a lack of appetite.Patterns and repetition are important here.If your teen skips a meal, it doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem with their metabolism or activity levels.
Step 3: Look at bathroom habits.
Teens with eating disorders are more likely to purge after eating.This could include inducing vomiting or a bowel movement.It could be a sign that your teen is getting rid of food by going to the bathroom frequently.Some teens may take supplements to regulate their appetite.It's a good idea to be on the lookout for any frequent trips to the bathroom.
Step 4: Food rituals should be recognized.
Teens with eating disorders are very focused on food.They can eat very small portions, or they can follow strict self-imposed habits.These may include cutting food into tiny pieces, chewing a single bite for long periods of time, or following a fad diet.Most of the time, teens with eating disorders stick to eating the same foods.
Step 5: Risk factors can be identified.
Some teens are more likely to develop an eating disorder than other teens.Take into account your family history and teen's mental health history to see if they are at an elevated risk of developing an eating disorder.Girls are more likely to develop an eating disorder than boys are.Teens with a family history of anxiety, depression, or addiction are more likely to have eating disorders.Obsessive-compulsive tendencies, as well as an inclination towards perfectionism, can suggest a risk of developing an eating disorder.If your teen's close relative has an eating disorder, this could increase their chances of developing one as well.
Step 6: Dramatic weight fluctuations are what you should look for.
Teens who struggle with an eating disorder are likely to lose and gain weight.A teen with weight fluctuations may wear baggy clothes or dress in layers.If the adolescent doesn't have enough body fat, this may be done to cover up the recent weight loss.Teens with an eating disorder feel that no amount of weight loss is enough.
Step 7: Look for the signs of an eating disorder.
Anorexia nervosa is a mental illness.Teens with an eating disorder may limit the amount of food they eat, or they may cut out certain food groups.Your teen may have dry, pale, or brittle skin and hair.They may have a fuzz on their body.Anorexia has physical symptoms such as Constipation, abdominal pain, and a lack or surplus of energy at any given time.They may complain of being tired frequently.If a teen girl develops an eating disorder, she may miss periods or have them irregularly.Teens with an eating disorder are more likely to have food rituals.They can eat in a certain order or refuse to eat entire categories of food.
Step 8: Know the signs of bulimia nervosa.
The two biggest signs of bulimia are binge eating and vomiting.Purging can be performed through vomiting.They may have a sore throat.Teens who have developed bulimic tendencies can develop cuts and blisters on their hands and fingers if they stick their hand down their throat.Mints, gum, and mouthwash can be used to cover the smell of vomit by someone with bulimia.A teen who has an eating disorder may have problems with their teeth, skin, and body parts.They may have hair that is thin or brittle.
Step 9: Know what binge eating disorder is.
Binge eating is the consumption of large amounts of food in a short period of time.Teens with bulimia nervosa may be accompanied by binge eating.Some teens may suffer from binge eating disorder.It's a good idea to look for hidden food wrappers and "stashes" of food as a sign of binge eating.Teens often have fluctuating appetites, but someone who binge eats may eat without any control, even past the point of feeling full.Mild to severe obese people look for weight fluctuations.
Step 10: Talk to your teen.
If you're worried about your teen having an eating disorder, the first thing you should do is talk to him.Teens may quickly get defensive or even aggressive if confronted about an eating disorder.Let your teen know what's going on.Avoid direct accusations by using "I" statements.Instead of saying "You have an eating disorder," you could say "I've noticed that your eating habits have been a little different, and I'm getting concerned."Can you tell me what's going on?You may have to approach your teen several times before you get an honest answer.Teens lie about not having an eating disorder and insist that everything is fine.
Step 11: Speak to a doctor.
Eating disorders and how to treat them are the first things you need to help your teen.Parents and teens can call the National Eating Disorders Association to get help.They can be reached by phone in the US.
Step 12: Seek treatment for your teen.
Many teens are struggling with eating disorders.Eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive thinking can be treated with a therapist.Your teen's doctor can help you identify and manage the physical side effects of an eating disorder.You can find a therapist by searching online, asking your teen's doctor for a recommendation, or checking your local phone book.You might want to schedule a nutritionist appointment as well.A nutritionist can help your teen make healthy choices and figure out a diet that will manage weight fluctuations without sacrificing sustenance.
Step 13: Healthier attitudes towards food and fitness should be promoted.
Some teens have negative attitudes towards certain types of food.If you're worried about your teen developing an eating disorder, try to be more aware of how you talk about food and fitness.It's a bad idea to refer to some foods as "good" or "bad" as this can make your teen feel guilty.Don't use food as a reward or punishment.Don't force teens to eat everything on their plate if they are full, but make sure they've eaten enough food to sustain their growing bodies.The focus should be on healthy eating and exercising.Don't let your teen become obsessive with their workout habits if you encourage sports and regular exercise.
Step 14: Encourage self-confidence.
Many teens with eating disorders have a distorted image of their body.It's normal for teens to feel a little less confident in their bodies, but it is important to reinforce a positive body image and a strong sense of self-esteem.Don't tell your teens about their appearance.You should be critical of the way advertisements and media depict attractive bodies.Showing respect for all body types, including your own.Your teen may engage in similar behaviors if you are critical of your own body.Help your teen develop healthy, effective ways to deal with stress.