Eating disorders in kids: Symptoms and treatment
Eating disorders in children are a serious matter that require careful attention and monitoring by parents and healthcare professionals.
Is your child secretly stashing food under their bed, indulging in binges when they’re alone, or going to the bathroom after every meal? Do they shy away from eating more than just a few bites from their dinner plate? Are they losing – or gaining – a significant amount of weight?
If you’re noticing any of these warning signs, your child could be experiencing an eating disorder.
Eating disorders in children have become a growing concern in recent years, as more and more kids are being diagnosed with these serious conditions. Eating disorders can cause severe physical, emotional, and social consequences that can have lasting effects on a child’s health and wellbeing.
Detecting symptoms of eating disorders in children can be challenging, especially when it comes to distinguishing between fussy eating habits and more serious disorders. However, recognising and addressing eating disorders early is essential to avoid long-term complications and ensure effective treatment.
Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are the three primary types of eating disorders that can affect children, with symptoms ranging from irrational fears of gaining weight to binge eating and purging.
While girls are more likely to be affected, boys can also exhibit signs of these conditions, which can often overlap.
Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder
Anorexia nervosa is a type of eating disorder characterised by an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, despite being underweight. Children with anorexia nervosa often have a distorted body image and an excessive focus on food, calories, and weight. They may refuse to eat certain foods, avoid eating altogether, or engage in excessive exercise to burn calories. Anorexia nervosa can cause serious medical complications, including malnutrition, bone loss, organ damage, and hormonal imbalances.
Bulimia nervosa is another type of eating disorder in which children engage in episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting or laxative abuse. Children with bulimia nervosa may have a normal weight or be slightly overweight. Like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa can cause medical complications, including electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, and dental problems.
Binge eating disorder is characterised by frequent episodes of uncontrollable eating, often in secret or when not hungry. Children with binge eating disorder may eat large amounts of food in a short period of time, feel guilty or ashamed afterwards, and have no control over their eating behavior. Binge eating disorder can cause medical complications similar to those seen in bulimia nervosa, as well as obesity and associated health problems.
What causes eating disorders in children?
Causes of eating disorders in children are complex and multifaceted, involving biological, behavioural, and social factors. These include genetic predisposition, low self-esteem, negative body image, trauma, family dynamics, and societal pressure. Peer pressure and societal expectations of appearance, especially with the prevalence of social media, can also play significant roles in the development of eating disorders in children.
Treatment options
Treatment for eating disorders in children often requires a multidisciplinary approach, with a team of healthcare providers including doctors, psychologists, nutritionists, and family therapists. Some common treatment options include family-based therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and nutritional counselling.
In some cases, medication may also be used to address underlying mental health conditions.
The primary goal of treatment is to restore a healthy weight, address any medical complications resulting from the eating disorder, and provide ongoing support to prevent relapse.
Family involvement is crucial in the treatment process, as it provides the necessary support system to help children with eating disorders overcome the condition. Parents can help their children by being patient, understanding, and supportive throughout the treatment process.
