Can you prevent eating disorders in children?

Early detection and prevention of eating disorders in children under the age of 12 are critical. In light of this week being National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, we take a closer look at the warning indicators parents should be on the lookout for.

What are eating disorders in children?

Eating disorders in children and adolescents result in significant changes in eating patterns, which can lead to serious, even life-threatening health concerns. The three major categories of eating disorders are as follows:

• Anorexia is a condition in which a youngster refuses to consume enough calories due to an extreme and unreasonable fear of growing overweight.
• Bulimia is a condition in which a youngster binges and then purges the food by vomiting or taking laxatives to avoid weight gain.
• Binge eating is a condition in which a child consumes a large amount of food quickly yet does not vomit.

Did you know? Eating problems in children and adolescents can coexist. Some children, for example, fluctuate between anorexia and bulimia.

What causes eating disorders in children?

Researchers do not know what causes eating disorders, but they do know what raises one’s chances of acquiring one. Eating disorders are heritable, which means that if a kid’s parent, sibling, or another relative has an eating disorder, the child is 7-12 times more likely to have one than a child who does not. 2 Children with chronic illnesses, particularly those with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, are also at a higher risk. 3 Children who suffer from depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses may be at a higher risk.

Signs your child may have an eating disorder

• Severe change in weight
• Exercising obsessively
• Social withdrawal
• Preoccupation with food, diet or weight
• Avoidance of meals or events where food is available
• Going to the bathroom to purge after meals
• Scarred knuckles due to using fingers to encourage vomiting

How can you prevent eating disorders?

Family meals should be eaten together at the table

• Be a role model and set an example for your children.
• Offer healthy food alternatives
• Try not to label food as good or bad
• Food should not be used as a reward or a form of punishment
• Help your child build their self-esteem and manage their emotions
• Praise and acknowledge your child’s inner qualities as opposed to their appearance
• Encourage being active and getting involved in sporting activities

What to do if your child has an eating disorder

If you feel that your child may have an eating disorder, seek help immediately. Speak to your healthcare provider who can recommend a specialist for your child.