Although many people have heard of anorexia and bulimia, these well-known eating disorders are relatively rare: Approximately one in 200 people with symptoms is truly anorexic or bulimic.
“Most people with food issues – adults and children alike – don’t develop full-fledged eating disorders, although they have some of the symptoms,” reports Carmen Mikhail, Ph.D., director of the outpatient Eating Disorders Clinic at Texas Children’s Hospital and assistant professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine.
Each of these eating disorders has defined patterns and symptoms. Generally, anorexia appears in early adolescence, with symptoms including sudden changes in diet (such as eliminating favorite high-calorie foods), a preoccupation with weight, self-disparaging comments and unexplained weight loss.
Bulimia tends to appear later in the teen years. In many cases, a teen who develops anorexia in early adolescence seems to improve, but the problem may resurface as bulimia if underlying issues aren’t addressed. Symptoms may include a teen disappearing immediately after eating, as well as parents noticing a large amount of food missing without knowing where it went. Often, bulimics adopt an extreme stance, such as promising themselves they’ll eat only 500 calories a day, which sets the scene for purging after their binging behavior.
Because eating disorders are psychological, treatment must address the underlying emotional issues. “Anorexics derive a sense of mastery and control over their bodies when they eat,” Mikhail explains. “Compulsive overeaters tend to set unrealistic goals, which leaves them feeling emotionally deprived, and then they start binging. Bulimics partake in a symbolic purging to get rid of pent up emotions they’re trying to handle.
“Eating disorders aren’t really about food and weight. A lot of issues are involved, including perfectionism, effectiveness, body image, expressing feelings, coping skills, and recognizing unhealthy distortions about food,” states Mikhail.
Parents can be good role models by resolving their own issues with eating and by fostering a healthy attitude toward their own body image. “Children and parents alike need to remember that there’s no such thing as ‘bad food’ or food that you need to stay away from forever,” adds Mikhail. “A healthy diet allows room to eat anything in moderation.”
