Being aware of the signs of eating disorder is very important when you have growing children in your household. The health concerns involved in improper nutrition are very alarming. Aside from the possible physical difficulties that obesity may cause, too much dieting can be just as adverse to your family’s health. With the trend of society to favor thin as beautiful, many teenagers and adults have been struggling to keep up on having the slim body figure. Although this can help them look good but the health effects of the strict diet practices can be very harmful to the body.

The person responsible for keeping the family healthy should be knowledgeable about the signs of eating disorder that may occur. One of the most common eating disorder of teenagers is anorexia nervosa (fear of gaining weight that leads to starvation). Aside from the excessively thin body caused by anorexia, the long-term effects of being anorexic can be very dangerous to health. On the other hand, compulsive overeating, also known as bulimia nervosa can result in sufferers inducing vomiting to get rid of what is perceived as ‘excess’ calories. Another way a bulimic person can achieve this effect is by abusing laxatives to cause food to pass through the body too fast to be fully digested. Emotional issues resulting from negative body image cause most eating disorders. Therefore, treatment must include both psychological and physical factors.

The attitudes of society towards body shape cause the guilt and anxiety that lead to most common eating disorders. Individuals with signs of eating disorder usually separate themselves from other people, especially their family and friends. If you suspect your adolescent is suffering from one of these disorders, don’t delay seeking medical advice, as these conditions can be life threatening to the sufferer.

Although there are many factors that can be signs of eating disorder, some symptoms are not obvious. Unexplained fluctuation of body weight may be noticeable but abnormalities in eating habits may be overlooked, as sufferers become expert at hiding their activities. Possible signs of eating disorder include obsessive concern about weight and body shape and obsessively exercising. Irritability and depression are also common symptoms. Other signs to watch for are teens and preteens who insist on eating in their room (they may be hiding food in school bags for future disposal, or tipping it out the window into bushes) and those who are consistently in the toilet soon after eating.

Physical signs of eating disorder

• Fluctuation of weight/size (could be caused by dieting, illness or stress… all of which should be monitored)
• Erratic menstruation in females (periods ceasing or suddenly being erratically timed)
• Dizziness and fainting
• Constant tiredness
• Moodiness
• Sudden cold sensitivity
• Depression or anxiety

Behavioural signs of eating disorder

• Obsession with physical appearance and weight
• Overeating and/or excessive dieting
• Becoming emotionally withdrawn from family and friends
• Sudden interest in food preparation for others
• Obsessing over ‘good’ and ‘bad’ foods
• Compulsive behavior (only eating from certain plates, refusing to eat certain foods on certain days)
• Sudden change in clothing style
• Excessive or fluctuating exercise patterns
• Trying to avoid social situations involving food
• Always making excuses not to eat (have to study, feeling sick or whatever)
• Eating tiny mouthfuls, eating really slowly
• Gorging on food, eating too fast
• Storing large amounts of food in schoolbag/wardrobe.
• ‘Playing’ with food (Rearranging it on plate)
• Inexplicable disappearance of large amounts of food
• Midnight snacking, food wrappers in bins
• Feeling ‘out of control’ with food
• Using the bathroom soon after meals

If you suspect that your child is suffering from an eating disorder, be careful when you confront them about it. Don’t be too harsh on them since this may be counter productive and cause further emotional problems. The best way to deal with an eating disorder is with the help of a professional. Hiring a counselor can be a great help to attend the problem and prevent the disorder from being out of control.

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