Teen Eating Disorders Pose A Serious Threat

In this country there are hundreds of thousands of teens who have a serious eating disorder. Some studies estimate that 1 in 100 teenagers may have anorexia or bulimia. What's not surprising is the fact that a huge percent of the teens who have a disorder are girls.

However, more and more males are getting eating disorders as well. Puberty can be one reason a young teen will add a little extra weight, but they need to realize it's part of life. One study that was done says eating disorders are being developed by girls as young as 12!

Eating disorders keeping getting worse by the day. More and more parents are reporting that their teens may have an eating disorder. Anorexic's usually look at themselves in the mirror and no matter how skinny they are they just aren't skinny enough. It's literally like the see someone else, when in reality we se how they really are. Bulimia is when a person will eat, sometimes gorge themselves, and then later throw everything back up.

However, some parents may think their teens have an eating disorder when they really don't. If a teen goes on a diet and as a result gets skinnier, they probably don't have an eating disorder. However, if the teen doesn't understand when to stop, then this is when it may become a serious problem.

Listed below are some of the negative things eating disorders can do to the body:

• Anorexia is usually accompanied by thinner hair or pale skin. One reason is the body is not receiving enough nutrients to even function.
• Bulimia causes the persons throat and mouth to become sore and infected due to the constant vomiting.
• Bulimia will also cause very severe tooth decay because of the acids that is found in the vomit that pass through the mouth.
• Excessive exercise can cause the bodys heart and muscles to work on overtime.

Be sure to get help if you suspect you teen has an eating disorder. Eating disorders can and do cause death if it gets to an extreme level. If you need more detailed information go to www.nimh.nih.gov/health . Also if your teen is acting out and has a mild eating disorder we may be able to help. Call us today and see if there are eating and behavior centers near you.