In the past, it was fairly common to come across teenage girls with eating disorders and as a result, body image was often discussed with young women, whereas teenage boys were seldom considered in these types of situations and the dialogue was seldom opened with them. Research has recently shown than more than a quarter of teenagers who suffer from eating disorders are male. There are some reasons that are common between the two genders when it comes to attempting to manipulate their bodies to look ‘better’ but there are also a number of deviations. While teenage girls generally are trying to be thin and their eating disorders tend to be due to trying to achieve weight loss, for boys, this often center around trying to be lean and muscular while appearing bigger and stronger. This can also lead to abuse of illegal substances as well as a risk of depression if they are not able to attain the physique they are after.
What is an eating disorder?
An eating disorder is characterized by an unhealthy relationship with food. This can take the form of eating too little, obsessing over what is eaten or what is available to eat, irregular eating habits, eating excessive amounts of food, often followed by purging and being concerned about body size and shape to a higher than normal level. It can also be characterized by extensive exercise, pushing the body past its limits on minimal sustenance. The best known eating disorders are Bulimia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa as well as Binge Eating disorder, although there are many others. This is a medical condition which affects the mind and emotions as well as the body. Eating disorders can also be brought on by biological factors such as hormone issues, nutritional deficiencies and even genetics. Some of the psychological issues that cause eating disorders can come from a low self-esteem and poor body image. Other factors can include peer pressure, dysfunctional family relationships, negative life experiences or abuse and even taking part in certain sports that demand a certain physique such as ballet, diving, gymnastics and wrestling.
Symptoms of an eating disorder
Physical
• Excessive weight loss or fluctuations of weight
• Feels cold easily
• Suffers abdominal pain and cramps often
• Has minimal energy and is constantly tired
• Suffers from constipation regularly
• Teeth may become thin, blackened, stained or easily damaged
• Swelling on cheeks and jaw line
• Calluses on fingers from inducing vomiting
• Appears bloated
• Lack of attention, not able to focus for long
• Dizziness and fainting
• Anemia, low potassium, hormone and thyroid problems
• Blood cell counts may be off
• Sleep problems
• Skin becomes yellowed
• Skin, nails and hair may become dry and brittle
• Body grows a thin layer of hair
• Muscle weakness
• Impaired immune system
• Swelling of the feet, poor blood flow
• Mottled look to hands and feet
• Wounds take longer to heal or appear not to be healing well
Emotional and Behavioral
• Weight loss, dieting, portion control become a constant topic of discussion
• Constantly complains about being ‘fat’ or ‘overweight’
• Wears layers of clothing
• Counts calories, reads food labels
• Restricts intake of certain types of foods such as fats or carbohydrates
• Denies being hungry quite often
• Binge eats (evidenced by wrappers or large amounts of food disappearing)
• Takes diuretics and laxatives
• Purges after meals (often smells of vomit)
• Prefers not to eat around other people
• Food obsession may involve cooking intricate meals but not eating them
• Skips meals or refuses to eat at the table
• Takes meals to the bedroom or other rooms
• Leaves the table soon after eating, often going to the bathroom
• Shows signs of developing food rituals such as counting the number of chews
• Tries fad diets constantly
• Hoards food in unusual places (such as under the bed)
• May switch between starvation and binge eating
• Steals food
• Drinks large quantities of water
• Exercises excessively, even in poor weather
• May start lifting weights or trying other forms of bodybuilding
• Stops hanging out with the usual social group
• Changes usual routines or schedules to allow time after meals for purging or to not be around people at meal times
• May show evidence of steroid use
• Checks in the mirror often
• Extreme mood swings
• May also take diet pills or other over the counter medication for weight loss
• May become withdrawn
• Either avoids a scale or weighs himself excessively
Treatment options
Eating disorders can result in death if not treated. This is a serious condition which can have a lifelong effect on the body. It is very important to consult with professionals when dealing with this illness, even if it is only suspected and not yet confirmed. The earlier treatment is received, the more likely it is that recovery will be faster and more likely to be effective. Our center offers a full continuum of care for eating disorders. Please call admissions for more information for yourself or a loved one.
Psychotherapy and medication
Most treatments will involve counseling or psychotherapy. In some cases, medication will also be prescribed to assist in healing from the illness. Treatment is usually decided on a case for case basis as not all individuals are the same. Treatment will involve taking care of the physical symptoms as a result of the illness as well as working on preventing the illness from taking hold again in the future. Nutrition is discussed and healthy alternatives presented. Therapy is often done on an outpatient basis. This may involve one on one sessions or group counseling. If the eating disorder has got to the point of being life threatening, in-patient treatment may become necessary. This will involve treatment of the symptoms and stabilizing the teenager first, which later psychological treatment. This treatment can be long term in some cases. It is important that the child has a physician that they can trust and perhaps open up to when discussing their eating disorders and the reasons for them.
Nutrition monitoring and advice
Monitoring is necessary even after the person appears to have recovered from an eating disorder. Consultation with a nutritionist may be essential to ensure that damage done to the body is restored by eating a balanced diet at regular intervals. A nutritionist may also be able to help the child develop a healthier relationship with food.
