Doctors aren’t sure what exactly causes eating disorders. It is suspected to be a combination of biological, behavioural, and social factors. For example, young people may be influenced by cultural images that favour bodies which are far too underweight to be healthy.
Also, many tweens and teens with eating disorders struggle with one or more of the following problems:
- Distress
- Fear of becoming overweight
- Feelings of helplessness
- Low self-esteem
As a coping mechanism, tweens and teens may adopt harmful eating habits. In fact, eating disorders are often associated with other psychiatric problems such as:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Substance abuse
The dangers of eating disorders
Eating disorders in tweens and teens can lead to many other serious physical problems and can even be life threatening. If you suspect your child may have an eating disorder, you should consult with your child’s doctor immediately. Your child will need treatment in order to restore normal weight and eating habits. Treatment will also address underlying psychological issues. Remember the best outcome will occur with early treatment.
