Teenagers are probably the most figure-conscious age group, and with summer in full swing, many of them feel a burning desire to achieve a beach-ready, toned body. Some even resort to extreme measures, such as working out excessively and trying extreme diet fads to lose weight so they can “look good” in their swimsuit.
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So, it should come as no surprise that cases of eating disorders like anorexia are steadily increasing among teenagers, as reported by the Pennsylvania State Department of Health. In fact, eating disorders are one of the five most common illnesses among American teens. This is alarming, especially since teens’ bodies are still developing — poor nutrition can significantly affect their cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological and endocrine systems.
One of the most well-known eating disorders is anorexia nervosa. People with this chronic disorder experience physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms, and can exhibit drastic weight loss, up to 15% or more below their ideal body weight. They also may obsess about the foods they eat and develop a fear of gaining weight.
Eating disorders don’t just pop out of nowhere, though. There are factors that can trigger them, such as:
- Having a family member with an eating disorder
- Exposure to unrealistic body standards from mass media and social media
- Having obsessive personality traits, such as worrying about gaining weight
- Traumatic experiences that prompt extreme control over their diet
While teenagers are the most common age group, it’s important to note eating disorders can actually affect anyone, regardless of gender, age or lifestyle.
Sadly, at least 10% of people with anorexia die due to complications. According to family doctor Richard Conn, “This is typically due to organ failure from severe calorie malnutrition or overwhelming infection because their immune system cannot mount an adequate response.”
Dr. Rachel Levine, the Pennsylvania State Department of Health’s secretary, stresses, “It is essential that everyone, especially parents, know the signs and symptoms of eating disorders so we can help connect those who are suffering with the support they need.”
Remember that eating disorders like anorexia can stem from poor self-esteem and unrealistic body expectations. While there’s no research specifying ways to ultimately stop them from occurring, reinforcing healthy eating habits, especially among teens, and practicing positive thoughts that will help build self-confidence may help reduce the risk. Strategies like the Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) can help curb negative emotions.
If you want to know more about how anorexia may affect someone, read this article. On a final note, always remember you shouldn’t let your weight or physique define your worth as a person, and that you are fine just the way you are.