Teens eating disorders and chronic dieting risks

Chronic Dieting and the Link to Eating Disorders

In an article published in the Nutrition Research Newsletter, chronic dieting is cited as a possible risk factor for the development of unhealthy eating habits in adolescents, including the development of eating disorders.

The study cites a larger survey of more than 36,000 Minnesota public school students in grades seven through twelve.  Chronic dieting as defined as dieting more than 10 times per year was reported by more than 12 percent of girls and 2 percent of boys. 

The chronic dieting groups were more likely to report inducing vomiting or abusing laxatives, diuretics or other weight loss aids to lose weight.  In addition this group of participants were more likely to suffer from eating binges or feel overweight.   These patterns were not exclusive to boys or girls but rather common to both.

Implications

This study suggests that chronic dieting is a risk factor for eating disorders that is particularly important not to overlook during the adolescent years.  The authors suggest that chronic dieting can be equally as impacting and devastating for boys and girls. 

Parents that are concerned for their children’s health should be on the lookout for chronic dieting behavior.  This may include following certain fad diets, using laxatives, exercising excessively or engaging in distorted or unusual eating behaviors.

Identifying an eating disorder early on is vital for the long term recovery of the sufferer.  It is important that parents, family members and even educators be on the lookout for adolescents that are chronically dieting.  This will allow for early intervention at a time where an eating disorder has not yet become a staple in the adolescents life.

Tips

One approach that family members can take is to avoid the term dieting at all costs within their homes and in their environment.  Adolescents should not be encouraged to ‘diet’ to lose weight; rather they should be encouraged to adopt healthful eating practices that involve eating foods from each of the four food groups.

If adolescents have concerns about their weight, parents should work together with them to develop a healthy eating and exercise program that will help them maintain an adequate level of fitness and weight appropriate for their age.

Parents should also consider the following to help avoid placing too much emphasis on dieting, which can lead to eating disorders:

§         Encourage children to engage in extracurricular activities.

§         Plan family meals when everyone has time to sit down together to eat.

§         Incorporate healthy foods into family meal plans regularly.

§         Avoid commenting on or focusing too much on an adolescent’s weight, body image or appearance.

§         Teach adolescents stress reduction techniques.  Too much stress can contribute to feelings of chaos and the perceived need to diet or binge and purge.

§         Limit television time and access to forms of media that promote ideal images of the human form. 

Remember that adolescence is an awkward and uncomfortable time for even the most well adjusted person.  The more support and encouragement you can offer as a parent, the more likely your child is to fair well and escape the potentially life threatening trap of chronic dieting and eating disorders.