One Facing the Challenge: How to Support Your Child Through an Eating Disorder BY MADISON VOORHIES PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM A s parents, you’re always concerned about your child’s overall well- being. Part of that includes ensuring your child is eating and getting enough nutrients to grow strong and healthy. But that’s easier said than done, right? Eating disorders are actually more common in children than you may think. Understanding the signs and stressors of eating disorders in children is crucial. Early detection can lead to early intervention, which can significantly improve recovery outcomes. Children may not always be able to express their struggles, so recognizing warning signs like changes in eating habits, body image issues, or emotional distress can help you step in before the disorder becomes more severe. EDs Are Not Simple The first thing parents need to know is that children can develop different types of eating disorders, each affecting their health in serious ways, according to The Journal of Pediatrics . -Anorexia nervosa involves extreme dieting and exercise to lose weight, even when the child is already very thin. This is often caused by a distorted view of their own body and a strong fear of gaining weight, which can lead to severe malnutrition. -Atypical anorexia nervosa is similar, but the child's weight may still be in the normal or above-average range. -Bulimia nervosa includes episodes
of overeating, followed by actions like vomiting or excessive exercise to avoid weight gain, often paired with harsh self- judgment about body shape and size. -A binge-eating disorder also involves overeating but without purging, leaving the child feeling guilty or upset afterward. -Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) involves avoiding certain foods, either because of sensory issues or fear of negative effects, which can cause weight loss, poor nutrition, and make it hard for the child to socialize. What Are The Signs? The signs and symptoms of eating disorders in children and teens can vary depending on the type of disorder, but the American Academy of Pediatrics notes some common warning signs parents and caregivers can watch for. 1. Changes in eating habits: Skipping meals, eating very little, or avoiding certain food groups. Some children may start obsessing over food ingredients, calories, or portion sizes. 2. Rapid weight change: Significant weight loss or, in the case of binge eating, noticeable weight gain. In some cases, a child may not lose weight but still exhibit signs of disordered eating behaviors 3. Excessive concern about body image: Expressing dissatisfaction with their appearance, talking about feeling “fat” even when they are underweight, or frequently checking themselves in mirrors. 4. Compulsive exercise: Exercising excessively, even when tired, injured, or
sick, or becoming upset if they can’t exercise. 5. Avoiding meals or eating in secret: Children or teens might make excuses to skip meals, eat in secret, or claim they’ve already eaten when they haven’t. 6. Physical symptoms: Complaints of dizziness, fatigue, stomach pain, or cold sensitivity can be signs of malnutrition. Eating disorders can also cause dry skin, brittle hair, hair loss, or changes in menstrual cycles for girls. 7. Mood changes: Depression, irritability, anxiety, and social withdrawal may occur, especially around situations involving food. 8. Unusual food behaviors: These can include cutting food into very small pieces, hiding food, or developing new rituals around eating. Help Starts Here Conversations about food, body image, or weight can be difficult, especially when a parent suspects their child might be struggling with an eating disorder. Dr. Laura Hernandez, a Licensed Professional Counselor, emphasizes the importance of approaching these discussions with Dr. Hernandez suggests that parents create a safe, relaxed environment to address concerns. “A great space to talk is in the car or if you’re taking a walk,” she says. “It just feels more natural. You're not really engaged in a confrontational situation.” These situations may also help empathy, care, and a non- confrontational attitude.
30 NOVEMBER2024 | BRPARENTS.COM
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