Eating Disorders in Children
Eating disorders are most often associated with teenagers and young adults, however, the prevalence of eating disorders in children is increasing among all ages and genders. Eating disorders have the potential to cause significant damage to a child’s body and impact their physical growth. Early detection and treatment intervention is key to reversing the harmful effects of eating disorders and achieving a successful recovery in children and teens.
by: Amanda Nussbaum
Eating disorders are complex mental health disorders that affect individuals of all ages. At least 30 million people, regardless of their age, gender, or background, will struggle with an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime. Eating disorders not only affect people’s relationships with themselves, but they can also impact their relationships with friends and family members, along with their performance in school and other activities. Although many believe eating disorders are most prevalent in teens and young adults, many children may show symptoms of an eating disorder from a young age.
Children as young as seven years old have been diagnosed with an eating disorder. Studies have also shown that more than 80% of ten-year-old children are afraid of being overweight. Similarly, 42% of first, second, and third-grade girls have reported wanting to look thinner. Additional research has concluded that 80% of girls have been on a diet by the time they are in fourth grade and 40-60% of girls between the ages of six and twelve are concerned about their weight and appearance. Many of these children revealed wanting to lose weight because of photos they saw in magazines. Sadly, hospitalizations for children under twelve years old from eating disorders have increased by 119% in the last ten years.
While the cause of eating disorders is unknown, it is believed that a combination of genetic, psychological, and sociocultural factors play a significant role in the development of an eating disorder. Other components that can cause eating disorders in children are stress, criticism by family members, the media, peer pressure, bullying, expectations in school, or perfectionism. Social media often promotes unhealthy and unrealistic diets and workouts. Children may also develop an eating disorder after being put on a diet, which can cause them to become shameful, avoid eating, eat in private, or feel like they will not be liked if they do not look a certain way. Trauma can cause a child to develop an eating disorder or other mental health condition.
Children go through different phases with food, so the signs and symptoms of an eating disorder will differ for each child depending on the type and severity of the eating disorder in question. Some signs that may indicate a child is struggling with anorexia nervosa, or restrictive-type behaviors, are food avoidance, a low body weight, calorie counting, over-exercising, over-analyzing their body in the mirror, engaging in unusual eating behaviors (i.e., cutting food into tiny pieces, pushing food around the plate, hiding food, etc), or eliminating entire food groups from their diet. Children are less likely to binge or purge (throw up), but some may do so in private. If a child is engaging in these behaviors, parents or teachers may find missing food or hidden wrappers, the child may eat quickly, go to the bathroom shortly after eating, or talk about food obsessively. Another eating disorder, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), involves “extremely picky eating” resulting in food restriction, aversion, and selectivity. Individuals with ARFID restrict foods out of fear that they will choke, be poisoned, have an allergic reaction, or even die from eating foods that are unfamiliar or anxiety-inducing. This disorder does not relate to self-esteem or body image issues and is diagnosed more frequently in children. Other children struggle with PICA, in which they consume non-food items, like dirt, paper, soap, or chalk.
Adults may also observe changes in a child that do not involve food but may indicate the presence of an eating disorder. Children may experience stomachaches, cramps, puberty delays, or digestive problems. They may have a hard time focusing, not sleep well, wear baggy clothing, or not want to socialize. Children with eating disorders may become interested in cooking for others and watching TV shows that involve food or weight loss. Other signs which may indicate an eating disorder include dizziness, frequent chills or feeling cold, dry skin, or the development of lanugo, which is thin, fine hair on the body. The earlier a child’s signs and symptoms of an eating disorder are addressed, the sooner they will be able to get help.
Childhood growth and development can be severely impacted by an eating disorder. It is crucial that eating disorders in children be addressed as soon as possible to prevent delays in physical, mental, and emotional development. If an eating disorder is left untreated in a child, additional health complications can develop such as heart, kidney, or dental problems, anemia, dehydration, or malnourishment. If a child is extremely malnourished or medically unstable, they may require hospitalization before stepping down to a lower level of care.
Children with a suspected eating disorder may suffer severe, life-long consequences without proper, timely treatment intervention. Treatment varies for each individual, but will typically involve the help of a specialized team of eating disorder treatment professionals comprised of a therapist, pediatrician, psychiatrist, dietician, and other support staff. The treatment team will work with the child and their family to create a personalized treatment plan and determine the appropriate level of care. Families may also be encouraged to participate in family-based therapy sessions. Treatment is designed to help children with eating disorders overcome negative thoughts surrounding food and their body. By seeking treatment as early as possible, children will be able to achieve a successful recovery.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™ we offer an adolescent program designed specifically for adolescents ages 12 to 16 suffering from anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and disordered eating. Our compassionate team of eating disorder professionals will work with you to create a fully-customized treatment plan for your teen. We understand that each client is unique and responds to treatment differently. Click the button below to learn more about our adolescent program.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Intern, Amanda Nussbaum.
Amanda is a recent graduate of Ramapo College, where she majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She enjoys being creative, writing, and editing videos, and is passionate about health, wellness, and lifestyle. Throughout college, Amanda volunteered with the Girls on the Run organization, which helps young girls develop a positive self-esteem. She also mentored a young girl through Ramapo College’s chapter of Big Brother, Big Sister. Amanda’s involvement in these organizations helped her realize that she wants to work for a company that has an impact on others, while still being creative with marketing. In the future, Amanda hopes to work in the marketing or communications department of an organization that focuses on teenagers and young adults, and their health and self-confidence. She enjoys contributing to the BALANCE blog!