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Teens and bulimia

What is influencing our children today?

Teenagers are bombarded with media images everyday depicting body images that are not realistic. Media, family and friends play an influential role.

Bulimia in teens and children

Bulimia is a serious eating disorder that can develop at any age, but commonly occurs or starts during the teen years. Bulimia has also been diagnosed in children as young as 5, a testament to the severity and complexity of the condition. Bulimia in children and teenagers can lead to lifelong problems that may be life threatening.

Because of this it is vital that parents and other family members recognize the signs and symptoms of bulimia early on, so adequate action can be taken to help resolve the condition before it becomes deeply entrenched into the lives of teens.

Causes in Teens

There are a variety of causes for bulimia in teens, including a low self image or self identity, excessive anxiety or depression.

Part of the problem rests in the fact that teens are consistently bombarded with media images of young and super thin stars. Media images often send the message that thin is equated with success and fulfillment, and this can lead to bulimia particularly in highly susceptible populations such as teenagers, who are feeling emotionally vulnerable and awkward.

In some cases the exact cause for an eating disorder is unknown. What is known is that teenagers with bulimia need a lot of support and understanding from friends and family members to overcome their illness.

What to Watch For

Bulimia is often diagnosed in children as young as 8-12, though it has been diagnosed in even younger children (children as young as 5 or 6). The problem may peak anywhere between the ages of 13 or 14 or between 17 or 18. Generally teen women are most often affected, particularly at times when they are going through puberty or heading off to college. Parents should be on the look out for several problems or warning signs that might indicate a potential eating disorder:

Some signs in teens include:

Preoccupation with weight and dieting.

Teen who suddenly stops eating foods from certain food groups, or adopts an ‘extreme’ form of eating.

Lack of menstrual cycles in teen girls.

Weight loss that is excessive.

Strenuous exercise particularly after meals.

Tendency to ‘skip’ meals then eat large volumes of food inconspicuously.

How to Deal With Bulimia

Children and teenagers often learn through observation. If parents are overly concerned with watching their weight and dieting, children are more likely to become as obsessed or more obsessed with their body image.

It is important that parents send a message of moderation, healthy eating and exercise rather than dieting.

There is also evidence to suggest that having family meals rather than meals on the go can help build stability and provide the emotional support teens need to avoid identity and self esteem issues that might lead to an eating disorder.

Support and Resources

Children and teens with bulimia will need professional assistance to overcome their eating disorder. They will also need intense support from their friends and family members. It is important that parents work directly with teenagers to address any underlying emotional concerns or problems that might be impacting their health and well being. This can be accomplished in a professional setting or in the home. It is also important that teens feel they have avenues of support among their own peers and at their own level.