Warning signs of Eating Disorder in Teenagers and what to look for?

07 Aug Warning signs of Eating Disorder in Teenagers and what to look for?

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With rapid rate of westernization, the number of cases being reported in the Indian context increases. Some estimates suggest that the number of adolescents with some sort of disordered eating can be as high as 25% among girls. In general Teenagers are especially at risk and early intervention is key

1. Do you know what signs to look for?
2. Rapid weight loss or weight gain
3. Changes in shape
4. Body dissatisfaction – feelings of unhappiness with body shape and size, or particular body parts/areas
5. An intense fear of gaining weight.
6. Dental cavities
7. Eating large amounts of high-fat foods and sweets
8. Eating in secret
9. Eating more food at a meal than is considered the norm.
10. Skipping meals
11. Visiting the bathroom soon after a meal
12. Many Teenagers with eating disorders look healthy yet may be extremely ill.

•  Families are not to blame and can be the patients’ and providers’ best allies in treatment.
•  An eating disorder diagnosis is a health crisis that disrupts personal and family functioning.
•  Eating disorders are not choices, but serious biologically influenced illnesses.
•  Eating disorders affect people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, body shapes and
• weights, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic statuses.
•  Eating disorders carry an increased risk for both suicide and medical complications.
• Genes and environment play important roles in the development of eating disorders.
• Genes alone do not predict who will develop eating disorders.
•  Full recovery from an eating disorder is possible.
• Early detection and intervention are important.

While on one hand there is increasing recognition of eating disorders in the country, there is also a persisting belief that this illness is alien to India. This prevents many sufferers from seeking professional help.