Most eating disorders start during adolescence. Having an eating disorder can lead to changes in the body's metabolism, damage to internal organs, and skin and dental problems. Symptoms include fainting, anxiety, dry skin, and fine hair all over the body. In girls who have bulimia, scars may form on the hands or knuckles. Girls who become too thin can stop having menstrual periods.
Most people who have an eating disorder also have depression or an anxiety disorder. About 40 percent have obsessive-compulsive disorder. Eating disorders can severely and irreversibly harm the body and can be fatal. They can also cause serious psychological problems. In addition to placing tremendous pressure on a person's relationships with family and friends, eating disorders can lead to the following health problems:
- Irregular heartbeat or cardiac arrest
- Heart failure
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage
- Weakened immune system
- Permanent loss of bone mass, leading to bone fractures and osteoporosis
- Infertility (from interruption of the menstrual cycle)
- Anemia
- Malnutrition
- Depression
- Imbalances of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and other minerals)
Binge eating also increases the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer. The most common types of eating disorders are binge eating, anorexia, and bulimia.
If you are concerned that your adolescent is overweight or has an eating disorder, the American Medical Association suggests that you consult a physician. He or she will help you and your adolescent learn the basics of a healthy diet. If your child is overweight, the doctor can help your child develop a weight-loss plan that will include increasing the level of physical activity and adopting other health-promoting habits to follow throughout life.
If your child has an eating disorder, the doctor will recommend treatment that is likely to include counseling by a mental health professional. Don't delay. Remember, a healthy relationship with food is a cornerstone of a healthy life-and one of the best gifts you can give your child.
About this information: From the American Medical Association Family Medical Guide, 4th Edition.
More from SheKnows.com More from PregnancyandBaby.com
© Copyright 2003-7 SheKnows, LLC and/or individual copyright holders. All Rights Reserved.
