Eating Disorder Research

Teen eating disorders occur most often this period as a child goes through puberty and have to deal with body shape and size. Many children are at this point most affected by what their family and friends say about their looks. They are particularly vulnerable to peer pressure. Teasing and taunts by others also do not help. An obsession over weight issues can lead to a child developing teen eating disorders. It is the girls who are most affected. They want to be attractive to the boys, whose first criteria is often based on looks when they start to take interest in the opposite sex. However, boys also get affected too. Teen eating disorders usually develop in secret. A child would often hide his or her eating disorder from others due to shame and guilt involved. It is important that parents help to foster positive attitudes to preventing teen eating disorders in their children. While parents may not want their children to be obese either, too much dieting can lead to teen eating disoders. It is important to inculcate good eating habits in order to prevent teen eating disorders. Parents should set an example and good role model. Afterall, it is to the parents that children learn the most from. Schools should also get into the act by discussing teen eating disorder topics openly and to teach good nutrition and diet habits. Arresting associated problems at this critical age can help prevent many teen eating disorders. As always, open communication channels help the child come forward in disclosing his innermost thoughts about eating disorders.

It is important to prevent developing a bulimia eating disorder. A sufferer of this disorder often experiences poor self-image, lack self esteem, and depression. He or she over -indulges in meals and with sweets but then would feel extremely guilty over it. Compensatory behavior like induced vomiting or taking laxatives would then follow. If you want to prevent yourself from developing a bulimia eating disorder, it is important to know your risks and to find ways to mitigate them. One of the first things that you should look at when you are trying to prevent eating disorders is what your age is. If you are an adolescent, between the age of 10 and 25, then studies have shown that you are at higher risk of developing bulimia. This may be due to peer pressure. Of course, the media presents unachievable images, which does not help any as it only places more pressure on you. Something else that you need to consider when you are trying to prevent eating disorders is whether or not you are involved in an activity that relies heavily upon appearance. These activities include gymnastics, dancing and modeling. The added pressures of these activities make it even more likely for you to develop bulimia. If you are under a lot of stress this is when you need to pay special attention to prevent eating disorders because at this time you may also develop bulimia. This is because stress can cause you to lose sight of yourself. Stress can come from traumatic childhood experiences that leave you feeling unworthy of the world. This may lead you to resort to bulimia so that you feel accepted. Also, if you are an overachiever or perfectionist you may resort to bulimia because you are always seeking perfection. You should know that bulimia is a problem that can result in death if you do not work to prevent eating disorders within yourself. This is a very serious eating disorder. In fact, you may actually be shocked to learn that one in seven college-aged females struggle with bulimia. Knowing what the risk factors for bulimia are can help you to know if you have a problem. It can also help you to work toward a plan to prevent eating disorders. Find ways to boost your self esteem. For instance, you can engage yourself in sports or hobbies that you are interested and become good at. Or surround yourself with friends your age who eat healthily and are positive. Reduce stress through relaxation techniques or simply giving yourself a break. Seek support and communicate openly to your family and friends.