Eating Disorders In Children
Eating disorders in children and adolescents are particularly dangerous in that they are in their formative years for physical and cognitive development. With harmful behaviors and improper nutrients, their bodies stand to suffer physical consequences. Eating disorders have the ability to stunt growth and reduce cognitive functioning.
By: Ekin Kiyici
For individuals of all ages, eating disorders can be very serious, life-threatening, and damaging to daily functioning. Eating disorders have presented themselves in all ages even in children as young as five years old. The median age of onset is 21 years old for binge eating disorder and 18 years old for anorexia and bulimia nervosa.¹ Approximately 95% of eating disorders begin between the ages of 12-25. However, the percent of children under 12 with eating disorders has been on the rise.
Contributing Factors
Many biological, social, behavioral, and environmental factors can contribute to the development of eating disorders. Some include genetic heritability, social media influence, and diet culture, alongside the COVID-19 pandemic which has presented unique challenges.²
There is strong evidence to suggest genetics are components to eating disorders. There appears to be a high genetic heritability factor that contributes to approximately 50-60% of the risks of developing an eating disorder. Similarly, researchers have seen that individuals are 12 times more likely to develop anorexia and 4 times more likely to develop bulimia if their mother or sister was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Additionally, research conducted on twin studies indicates there is a greater rate of eating disorders among identical twins. The remaining variations can be attributed to other factors.³
Regarding environmental factors, the rise of social media has played a major role in perpetuating toxic relationships between individuals with food and their body. Engaging in various forms of social media, including Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, adolescents have hundreds of opportunities a day to directly compare themselves to images of others. The glorification of the ideal body standard can be very damaging to an individual’s self-image especially during the developmental years of adolescence.⁴
Extreme isolation, economic hardship, and food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic have provided eating disorders with an opportunity to thrive. The National Eating Disorder Association reports that quarantine has led to a nearly 80% increase in calls from individuals seeking help. With an elevated sense of anxiety and lack of control, individuals may turn to disordered eating to regain control.⁵,⁶ Further, there has been a specific rise observed in eating disorders in children. The University of San Francisco Benioff Children’s Hospital has seen a 50% increase in eating disorder hospitalizations.⁷ Recent data from the UK also suggests a 50% increase in the amount of youth reaching out for treatment and a hospital in Western Australia has seen an 104% increase for hospitalizations of children struggling with anorexia nervosa.⁸
Eating Disorders in Statistics⁹
10% of individuals with eating disorders report its onset was at 10 years old or younger.
50% of girls between the ages of 11 and 13 years old view themselves as overweight.
2.7% of teens, ages 13-18 years old, report struggling with an eating disorder.
Anorexia nervosa is the 3rd most common chronic illness among adolescents.
Less than 1 in 5 adolescents who have an eating disorder receive treatment.
Now more than ever, public awareness regarding the signs and/or symptoms of eating disorders to keep an eye on is crucial. Eating disorders have the ability to stunt a child’s growth and pose significant physical health risks. However, early intervention provides adolescents with the opportunity for a full recovery.
Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders in Children¹²
Fear of weight gain
Calorie-counting
Failure to gain weight at a time of expected growth
Low self-esteem
Focus on physical appearance and “flaws”
Over-exercising
Depression and irritability
Refusal to eat with family
Hiding food
Aversion to tastes and textures
Delay of puberty
Low heart weight
In females, menstrual cycle abnormalities
Why Early Detection Is Important
Research suggests early detection and treatment help improve long-term consequences and reduce the chances of a relapse. Treatment works best when it’s received early. Research suggests that family-based intervention during the first three years of anorexia nervosa onset in adolescents significantly improves their chances of recovery.¹¹
In addition to enhancing the possibility of recovery, early intervention prevents serious physical and psychological consequences. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental health illness and if left untreated for too long may become treatment-resistant and severe. Although eating disorders may be a difficult subject to discuss with children, opening up a dialogue about disordered behaviors or thoughts can greatly improve long-term mental and physical outcomes.
Pediatricians are in the unique position of being able to catch an eating disorder and prevent further progression. Annual check-ups and examinations serve as opportunities to screen for any issues surrounding food and body image.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, we treat the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating behaviors and body image issues. Book a 90-minute assessment where our Admissions Team will connect with both the parent and their teen in the Admissions process. Both the parent and teen will have the opportunity to meet with the Admissions therapist individually and then together.
Our admissions team would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs and services. Book a free consultation call below or read more about our philosophy here.
This post was written by BALANCE Admissions Assistant, Ekin Kiyici.
Ekin Kiyici is an Admissions Assistant at BALANCE eating disorder treatment center. She graduated in 2020 from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology. During her undergraduate career, she coordinated four studies as a research assistant for both the Anxiety and Depression Research Center and the Mind-Body lab. She is also currently a writer for a mental health and wellness platform, The Human Condition. Ekin is very passionate and dedicated to aiding in the treatment of eating disorders and wants to better understand the variables that span across eating, anxiety, and mood disorders. She plans to pursue a doctoral program in Clinical Psychology with the hopes of providing accessible treatment to eating disorder and anxiety populations as a clinical psychologist.
References
1. Team Updated on Jan. 21, S. C., & Team, S. C. (2021, January 21). Eating disorder statistics in the U.S. in 2020. The Checkup. https://www.singlecare.com/blog/news/eating-disorder-statistics/.
2. Kohn, M., & Golden, N. H. (2001). Eating disorders in children and adolescents: epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment. Paediatric drugs, 3(2), 91–99. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128072-200103020-00002
3. Himmerich, H., Bentley, J., Kan, C., & Treasure, J. (2019). Genetic risk factors for eating disorders: an update and insights into pathophysiology. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1177/2045125318814734
4. Morris, A. M., & Katzman, D. K. (2003). The impact of the media on eating disorders in children and adolescents. Paediatrics & child health, 8(5), 287–289. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/8.5.287
5. Flores, J. (2020, September 11). Eating disorders 'thrive in isolation': Coronavirus quarantine has led to a nearly 80% increase in calls for help, experts say. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/09/10/covid-19-quarantine-eating-disorders-neda/5765046002/.
6. Rodgers, R. F., Lombardo, C., Cerolini, S., Franko, D. L., Omori, M., Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, M., Linardon, J., Courtet, P., & Guillaume, S. (2020). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating disorder risk and symptoms. The International journal of eating disorders, 53(7), 1166–1170. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23318
7. Jones, C. (2021, March 11). Eating disorders among teens surging during the pandemic. EdSource. https://edsource.org/2021/eating-disorders-among-teens-surging-during-the-pandemic/650882.
8. Haripersad, Y. V., Kannegiesser-Bailey, M., Morton, K., Skeldon, S., Shipton, N., Edwards, K., … Martin, A. C. (2020). Outbreak of anorexia nervosa admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 106(3). https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2020-319868
9. Prevalence, Onset and Course of Eating Disorders. Mental Help Prevalence Onset and Course of Eating Disorders Comments. (n.d.). https://www.mentalhelp.net/eating-disorders/prevalence-onset-and-course/
10. Merikangas KR, He J, Burstein M, Swanson SA, Avenevoli S, Cui L, Benjet C, Georgiades K, Swendsen J. Lifetime prevalence of mental disorders in U.S. adolescents: Results from the National Comorbidity Study-Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A). J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2010 Oct;49(10):980-989
11. Jones, M., Völker, U., Lock, J., Taylor, C. B., & Jacobi, C. (2012). Family-based Early Intervention for Anorexia Nervosa. European Eating Disorders Review, 20(3). https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.2167
12. Khan, F. (n.d.). Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents. British Journal of Medical Practitioners , 4(1). https://doi.org/BJMP 2011;4(1):a405