A Look at Eating Disorders
It is not uncommon for high school and college aged girls to place emphasis on weight loss. However, when the means for such results in behavioral patterns such as skipping meals, running excessively, frequent and abusive use of laxatives, binging (eating large amounts of food) and purging (self-induced vomit after meals), or other extremes, the consequences for such behaviors can be serious and are likely symptoms of an eating disorder.
Contributing Factors
Several factors play into developing an eating disorder. Some of these may include, but are not limited to environment, self-image, social and media influences, and biological make-up. One’s environment at home or school could be such that positive attention is given from parents, peers, or an athletic coach for losing weight, thus reinforcing a continued pattern or method of weight loss or a mindset that says “the skinner the better.” Not that the motivation to be fit or exercise is bad, by itself, but when carried to excessive measures, especially without proper sustenance before and after workouts, the danger of collapsing, passing out, and endangering one’s health significantly increases. It is not uncommon for those with eating disorders to spend unusual amounts of time exercising.
A person’s self-image, past and present, may be another factor. If a person received negative attention as a child for being a little heavy, a behavior like skipping meals could be the means of making sure that never happens again. Such memories may leave a significant impression on one’s life and influence the pursuit of negative alternatives to avoid future weight gain.
It should be noted that among women with eating disorders, one common thread is that they cultivate self regard based on other people’s opinions of their appearance, rather than their own health or personal nutrition. This is a dangerous vulnerability; especially considering influences such as the media and star athletes, where so often thinner is portrayed as better — when in actuality, some reports show that even athletes battle eating disorders.
Another factor potentially influencing eating behaviors is one’s biological make-up.
Each person is biologically unique, and as such may have been a little heavier as a healthy part of early development. Some people may have thicker bone structures, while others are smaller. This biological make-up may contribute to ones size. Sadly, some parents who see their toddlers gaining weight withhold food from them in order to prevent them from getting chubby, but this presents high risks for inadequate nutrition, and can result in what is referred to as “failure to thrive.”
Preventing and Treating Eating Disorders
According to the literature, parents and loved ones should know that eating disorders are very difficult to overcome alone. In fact, if not managed or treated appropriately, eating disorders can be life threatening, resulting in hospitalization and sometimes death.
There are several steps that may be able to help prevent and treat an eating disorder.
Parents may be able to monitor the eating patterns of their children by establishing set meal times. By making a greater effort to eat together in the morning and have family dinner in the evening, parents may be able not only spend time with their children, but also teach and provide a positive example of balanced nutrition. Parents can also take time to engage their children in conversation and become more familiar with their attitudes and beliefs about food and health in general.
Professional help can provide another integral resource in treating an eating disorder. There are licensed therapists who are experienced in treating eating disorders and are aware of the necessary commitment involved in the recovering process.
Some suggest one of the best efforts taken to help someone with an eating disorder is getting the family involved. The strength of a family bond can be an invaluable resource in face of, and in successfully overcoming an eating disorder.
