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Teens, Eating Disorders, and Obesity
Eating disorders are all too common among adolescents. Often we think of anorexia or bulimia as the most common types of EDs and do not frequently think of obesity as being a symptom of binge eating disorder.
These issues affect both males and females, and in past research, it has been shown that teens who are overweight, obese, or engage in dieting behavior are at a higher risk to develop an eating disorder [1].
Obesity and Eating Disorder Research
Eating disorders are reported to be the third most common chronic condition in teens, after obesity and asthma.
Between 2000-2011 20.5% of 12 to 19-year-olds were obese and the rates of obesity among adolescents had quadrupled over the past thirty years [1].
Eating disorders typically start around pre-teen and teenage years. It is often more common in girls, and some children as young as 6 and 7 are being diagnosed with eating disorders. In research, teens who are overweight have reported using self-induced vomiting or laxatives more frequently compared to peers who were not obese [1].
Behavior Risks for Obesity and ED
There have been some behaviors that are associated with both obesity and eating disorders. One such response is dieting.
In one study, 2500 teens enrolled in Project Eating Among Teens (Project EAT) and were followed for five years. The results found that dieting behaviors were associated with a higher risk of becoming overweight and developing binge eating disorder [1].
Engaging in family meals has been associated with a positive change in diet and lifestyle. Eating together as a family can provide a healthy way of modeling positive food behaviors by parents. Having family meals together can protect teens from developing disordered eating patterns.
Weight talk is another behavior that contributes to obesity and eating disorders. Family members, peers, or siblings can be harmful to a child’s perception of self and weight, shape, and size.
Previous studies have found that regardless of the type of weight talk discussed, it is linked to being overweight and a factor in the development of eating disorders [1].
Included in weight talk is also teasing or bullying of a teens weight, shape, and size. Being able to target bullying behavior at home, in schools, and within the community can help reduce the stigma and development of eating disorders.
A Word From the APA
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (APA), parents need to stop focusing on their teen’s weight and shape to help prevent both obesity and eating disorders [2].
Recommendations include a 5-point evidence-based strategy that both pediatricians and parents can use to help prevent obesity and eating disorders among adolescents.
Three of the recommendations are to avoid specific behaviors. The APA states that parents and physicians not to encourage dieting behaviors, avoid weight talk about their weight and the child’s weight, and avoid weight-teasing.
The other two recommendations focus on practices that promote a healthy body image and lifestyle.
These include families eating together at family meals, and encouraging healthy body image and a healthy lifestyle [2].
Defining Obesity and Eating Disorders in Teens
Obesity in children can be described as weighing at least 10% higher than what is recommended for height and body type. Often, obesity begins around age 5-6 through adolescence and studies have shown that when a child is obese between the ages of 10-13, there is an 80% chance of them becoming obese as an adult [3].
There are many reasons for obesity, including genetic factors, biological reasons, behavioral and cultural factors.
If one parent is obese, then there is a 50% chance that their child will become obese and if both parents are obese, there is an 80% chance that their child will become obese [3].
Often causal factors of obesity in teens are due to poor eating habits, overeating or binging behaviors, lack of body movement or exercise, and a family history of obesity.
Other reasons typically include medical illness such as endocrine or neurological disorders, medications being taken by the child, stress, or family and peer problems.
Low self-esteem, depression, and other mental health disorders can also be a reason for the development of obesity and eating disorders.
Other Eating Disorders
Other eating disorders include anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa in teens. Anorexia can be defined as being unable to remain at an ideal body weight range, struggle to eat a wide range of foods, and have an intense fear of becoming fat even if they are underweight or at a healthy weight range.
Anorexia can also include fasting, significant restriction in food and liquids, aversion of various foods that once enjoyed, and engaging in exercise or over-exercise.
With bulimia nervosa, an individual will engage in cycles of binge eating and purging. Often the purging is self-induced vomiting but can include diuretic and laxative abuse.
The teen will partake in secretive eating where they will eat more than what is considered normal for their age in a period of two hours or less. Often parents will notice food missing or find food wrappers or container hidden.
Other behaviors include frequent trips to the bathrooms, especially after meals, or longer-than-normal showers where purging might occur.
What You Can Do
Early intervention is critical in helping your teenager recover from developing an eating disorder. Encourage your child to be active and eat a wide range of healthy and nutritious foods. It is essential to refrain from weight teasing or shaming and weight-related talk around your teen.
Being able to work with your pediatrician, a clinician who specializes in eating disorders, and dietician is essential to recovering from an eating disorder. These professionals can help your teen and family learn healthy eating and lifestyle behaviors.
They also can work on self-motivation, increasing self-esteem and self-confidence with your teen and teach healthy coping skills that they can use throughout their life.
About the Author: Libby Lyons is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS). Libby has been practicing in the field of eating disorders, addictions, depression, anxiety and other comorbid issues in various agencies. Libby has previously worked as a contractor for the United States Air Force Domestic Violence Program, Saint Louis University Student Health and Counseling, Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute Eating Disorders Program, and has been in Private Practice.
Libby currently works as a counselor at Fontbonne University and is a Adjunct Professor at Saint Louis University, and is a contributing author for Addiction Hope and Eating Disorder Hope. Libby lives in the St. Louis area with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family, running, and watching movies.
References:
[1] Golden, N. H., Schneider, M., Wood, C., Nutrition, C. O., Adolescence, C. O., & Obesity, S. O. (2016, August 22). Preventing Obesity and Eating Disorders in Adolescents. Retrieved December 27, 2017, from http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2016/08/18/peds.2016-1649[2] Digitale, E. (n.d.). One approach can prevent teen obesity, eating disorders, new guidelines say. Retrieved December 27, 2017, from https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2016/08/new-guidelines-offer-one-approach-to-prevent-teen-obesity-eating-disorders.html
[3] A. (2016, April). Obesity In Children And Teens. Retrieved January 04, 2018, from https://www.aacap.org/aacap/families_and_youth/facts_for_families/FFF-Guide/Obesity-In-Children-And-Teens-079.aspx
[4] NEDA. (n.d.). Child Obesity and Eating Disorder Guidelines. Retrieved January 4, 2018, from http://nedawareness.org/sites/default/files/guides/obesity_ed_guide.pdf
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Published on February 9, 2018.
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
Baxter Ekern is the President of Eating Disorder Hope. He is responsible for the management and operations of Eating Disorder Hope. Baxter has been lending his services to Eating Disorder Hope for several years but came on board as the full-time president in November 2016.
