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Nov 15, 2022 · The purpose of this guide is to generate thoughtful discussion about eating disorders in schools. Eating Disorders Fact Sheet for Educators The purpose of this fact sheet is to increase educators’ knowledge and awareness of the medical and psychological concerns caused by eating disorders that affect school-age children.
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Apr 21, 2022 · Unfortunately, eating disorders are common. In fact, one in seven men and one in five women experiences an eating disorder by age 40, and in 95% of those cases the disorder begins by age 25. Many kinds of eating disorders may affect children and teens: Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an extreme fear of gaining weight ...
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- hhp_info@health.harvard.edu
- (877) 649-9457
Nov 6, 2023 · The most common eating disorders are anorexia and bulimia. Eating disorders typically begin between 18 and 21 years of age. Between 10 and 20% of women and 4 to 10% of men in college suffer from an eating disorder, and rates are on the rise. Kids who are at risk for anorexia or bulimia might have struggled with a need for control before college.
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- What do we know about eating disorders in teens?
- How do teens cope?
- What are the warning signs of an eating disorder?
- How to help your teen with an eating disorder
- Prevention and treatment of eating disorders in teens
- Where can I find information and resources about eating disorders?
The teenage years (from 12 to 18 years) are a time of rapid physical, mental and social change and can present both opportunities and challenges. Some teens are able to manage this time of transition very well while others may struggle to adapt.
Teens who develop eating disorders are showing signs of a personal struggle.
All teens have worries and concerns. However, teens with an eating disorder may be experiencing worries and fears that intensify and progressively take over their lives.
They may be worried about not having friends, how to manage the demands of school and part-time work, their appearance, a family separation, dating, bullying, future plans, etc. These worries may cause them to feel that they are "not good enough" which may make them anxious, angry or sad. They may become stressed and feel they are losing their self-confidence and sense of control over their lives.
It is very natural for teens who feel anxious or stressed to seek ways to reduce their negative feelings and thoughts. Some positive coping strategies include participating in sports, creative arts or volunteer work. Each of these strategies can help reduce their stress and increase their self-esteem and resilience.
On the other hand, there are many coping strategies that may actually create more harm than good and interfere with a teen's daily life, personal development and mental and physical health. Extreme dieting and the pursuit of thinness, along with alcohol and substance abuse or antisocial behaviours, are examples of unproductive and unhealthy strategies teens may choose to feel better, less anxious and more in control. Unfortunately, these behaviours usually cause more distress and isolation and may result in the development of eating disorders and/or addictions.
If they are not recognized and addressed, eating disorder behaviours can result in serious physical and emotional problems.
Here are some signs that your teen may be struggling with an eating disorder and needs immediate help:
•irritability, depression and social withdrawal.
•excessive preoccupation with calories, food or "healthy eating".
•frequent negative comments about their weight and shape.
•restriction of food intake.
You know your teen better than anyone. If you notice unusual behaviours and are concerned your teen may have an eating disorder, your first step will be to talk to them. Encourage them to express their worries and concerns. Use "I" statements and let them know that you are aware they are struggling. For example, you may say: "I've noticed that you may be going through a rough time lately. I'm happy to listen or talk and see if I can help."
Stay calm and avoid judging or blaming your teen. A teen who is struggling with an eating disorder may resist disclosing his or her behaviours or feelings. Let your teen know you care about them no matter what and you will support them through difficult times.
Eating disorders can be prevented if action is taken at the first signs of recurrent preoccupation with body weight and image.
Teens can learn healthy ways to cope with their worries and life challenges. Parents, schools and the community all have a role to play in building healthy coping skills that will help avoid eating disorders.
If the symptoms of an eating disorder are severe, medical treatment may be needed to reverse a physical condition that could otherwise become critical. If you notice that your teen's mental and physical health is rapidly deteriorating, don't hesitate to seek immediate help from your primary health care provider or community health care centre.
The majority of teens with eating disorders are able to recover with support from their family, friends and community. There are many resources available across Canada that can help you find reliable information and connect to your local resources.
•National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC)
1-866-663-4220 or 416-340-4156 in Toronto
Category: National information resource centre and help line
NEDIC provides information and resources about eating disorders, helps individuals find local treatment and support and offers support through Canada's only national toll-free helpline. NEDIC holds a national database of service providers that work with eating disorders.
•Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
Category: Raising awareness and providing resources on a national level
Aug 10, 2023 · Eating disorders can affect people of all genders and ethnicities,” said Lauren ... If your college student does end up struggling with an eating disorder or other mental health issue, it’s ...
Sep 2, 2023 · Eating disorders are potentially life-threatening conditions that affect the quality of life of children and adolescents as well as their families.1 These disorders can be complex and often severe, relating to atypical eating behaviors that have the potential to impair the overall well-being and function of those affected. Most eating disorders involve extreme body dissatisfaction and an ...
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Jan 1, 2021 · Increased rates of disordered eating may be found in sexual minority youth. 41–43 Analysis of Youth Risk Behavior Survey data reveals lesbian, gay, and bisexual high school students have significantly higher rates of unhealthy and disordered weight-control behaviors than their heterosexual peers. 44,45 Transgender youth may be at particular risk. 46,47 In a survey of nearly 300 000 college ...
