Eating Disorders in Adolescents

Eating disorders are the third most common chronic illness. They are particularly prevalent in adolescent females and the numbers have risen dramatically over the past thirty years. These disorders in eating behavior must be corrected as early as possible since they can lead to the development of illnesses affecting normal growth and development, both physically and psychologically.

There are two categories of eating disorders. These are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is a disorder in which the intake of food is severely limited. In bulimia nervosa, the adolescent binges on food and then tries to minimize the effects of overeating. She may do so by forcibly vomiting, fasting, or over exercising.

Adolescent eating disorders must be handled differently from adult eating disorders. This is due in part to the fact that adolescents face problems including growth retardation, suppressed height, abnormal weight, pubertal delay, menstrual period absence, and menses unpredictability. Other problems may include critical tissue component loss such as loss of body fat, muscle mass and bone mineral. Nutritional imbalance is also reflected in abnormalities in the levels of vitamins, minerals and other trace elements.

It is important to diagnose adolescent eating disorders as early as possible. Eating disorders can also lead to impaired acquisition of peak bone mass in adolescents. As they age, this problem leads to osteoporosis. Internal organs are also affected by eating disorders. All of these problems can be prevented by early intervention in order to limit, prevent and ameliorate medical complications, which can become life threatening.

Adolescents practicing unhealthy weight control measures and who are obsessed about their figure, weight and food or exercise should be treated clinically. Not only should the symptoms be assessed, but their duration, intensity and frequency should also be monitored. Although most of the physical complications caused by eating disorders are solved with the help of nutritional rehabilitation, some of the conditions become irreversible with dangerous long term consequences. It is best if the eating disorders are recognized in the early stages. The medical monitoring should continue until the adolescent returns to appropriate psychological and medical health.

Eating disorders can also result in psychological abnormalities in addition to the physical health problems. Adolescents with eating disorders often develop social isolation, low self esteem, affective disorders, low self concept, substance abuse, anxiety, and depression. Oftentimes adolescents may resort to unhealthy eating habits as a way of coping with depression and lack of knowledge about effective techniques to lose weight. So these adolescents also need to be assessed for psychiatric illness. Early intervention and treatment will have an improved outcome for the health of your adolescent.


Learn How To Stop Binge Eating And Take Control Of Your Life By Clicking Here!

Causes of Obesity in Adolescents

Obesity, which has become a leading cause of morbidity in America, is a chronic disease posing several serious health risks to the individual. Although obesity is easily recognizable it is frequently very difficult to deal with. More than three hundred thousand deaths a year can be directly attributable to obesity and the problem is on the rise.

Definition of Obesity

Overweight and obesity are often used interchangeably. Being overweight, though, is really only about gaining a few extra pounds. When a person is considered obese, this means that the individual's total body weight is, at a minimum, ten percent more than the recommended weight for their body structure and height.

Not only is the problem an expensive public health concern, with one estimate stating that a hundred billion dollars are spent every year on the obesity problem, it has important implications for the health of our children. Children between the ages of ten and thirteen who are obese have an eighty percent chance of growing into obese adults. The problem usually starts from the age of five and continues through adolescence.

Causes of Obesity

The causes of obesity in adolescence are numerous and include a host of biological, genetic, cultural and behavioral factors. Overeating, family history, bad eating habits, little or no exercise, medical illness, low self esteem, medications, depression, emotional problems, stressful life, and family problems have all been implicated. One percent of obesity is caused by medical disorders.

Obesity in America

Obesity is responsible for causing a number of major health problems. These problems include diabetes, sleeping disorders, high blood pressure, breathing problems, emotional problems and an increase in heart disease risk. Teenagers are more prone to developing emotional problems. Because of the weight, they often develop problems of low self esteem. They become depressed and anxious and may develop some decidedly unhealthy coping mechanisms for dealing with being obese.

If your teen has a problem with obesity and wishes to tackle the problem, your pediatrician should be approached. He will thoroughly evaluate the cause. If the obesity cannot be attributed to a physical disorder, then the doctor can assist the adolescent with an appropriate weight management program designed to gradually change the eating habits of the teenager. Collaboration with other health care team members in order to develop a comprehensive plan for treatment is invaluable. The plan should include reasonable goals, behavior modification, family participation, and the management of physical activity.

Parents can play a major role in boosting the self esteem of their obese adolescent by focusing on their strengths and by encouraging their efforts, instead of targeting the weight problem. The whole family should become involved by eating healthy meals together. Deciding to lose weight and adopt better eating habits is not a short term event. It is a new way of living. Exercising and eating right is a lifestyle choice and the obese adolescent should be supported in their efforts by their loved ones. It is too easy to shift back to the old habits and they need you now more than ever to help them reach their goals by being a powerful example.