Eating Disorders

In today's world, we may think that AIDS is the most prevalent disease.  This is not so, individuals suffering from eating disorders are thrice the amount as that of individuals suffering from AIDS.  

In America, individuals with eating disorders are widespread and of the 10 million who suffer from these conditions eighty seven percent of them are below twenty years of age.  The age group affected too has decreased in recent times.  It has decreased from 13 to 17 years - 9 to 12 years of age.  Today kids are becoming more aware of having attractive bodies or showing dissatisfaction with their bodies at an early age.  It is said that about fifty percent of girls have been on diets by the time they reached grade 8.  Studies have also shown that over the last 10 years, the number of male individuals with eating disorders has increased twofold.  In college campuses, 50 percent of women suffer from them.  These disorders have a mortality rate of anything between six and thirteen percent.   

Eating disorders disallow the absorption and usage of adequate minerals and vitamins, which can bring on a condition called osteopenia.  This condition is common in teenage girls who suffer from anorexia nervosa.  Osteopenia is a positive sign of osteoporosis.  It is a common belief that eating disorders are diseases affecting the young.  This is not so, they can affect anyone of any age.  In the past, individuals would have kept eating disorders a secret, but today more and more people are coming forward and seeking treatment.  Statistically, it is also seen that individuals who went on a diet as children tend to become overweight as adults.  

Teenagers who have eating disorders are at high risk from various other conditions such as chronic fatigue and pain for no apparent reason, insomnia, neurological disorders, depression, anxiety and many more diseases.  So why do children suffer from eating disorders?  It is generally thought to be the result of low self esteem, wanting to look like a particular person such as a model, anxiety, trying to cope with a particular situation, identity crisis, etc.  

The onset of puberty at an early age and the bodily changes that take place with it have now become a leading risk factor for developing an eating disorder. 

Obesity in children seems to be on the rise today.  In America alone around five million children suffer from it.  Studies show that drastic weight loss in teenagers leads to a greater risk of obesity and weight gain. 

It is very important for parents to be aware of their children's problems with regard to eating disorders and confronting the problem.  The first step to recovery is admission that you have a problem.  Many parents feel thatt talking about these various disorders could make matters with their children worse, losing their love and so on.  

It is imperative that if your child develops an eating disorder as a teenager that you as a parent together with the therapist work together as a team and provide your child with the support needed to get through this disorder.