Eating disorders have, in the past, been most associated with one particular type of condition. This is most often anorexia nervosa, and it includes the extreme weight loss that results in an almost skeletal appearance, severe metabolic breakdown, growth of downy hair on the body and, in extreme cases, death.
In Los Angeles, and elsewhere around the world, there are telltale signs of eating disorders that are obvious before these extremes. However, it is important for parents to realize that weight loss is not always a factor, and in some eating disorders, including both bulimia and binge eating disorder, it is possible for the teen to actually gain weight.
Look at Changes
A better option for concerned parents is to consider a change in the behavior of their child. All eating disorders include a change in the relationship with the teen and their food as well as their thoughts about themselves.
Common issues or changes that parents of teens with eating disorders see include:
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Sudden fixation on calories or recording of food intake
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Increased interest in portions and sizes
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Unwillingness to eat with the family
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Excessive exercise or focus on exercise routines that is obsessive
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The need to weigh food
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Strange or atypical rituals around food consumption
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Sudden weight increase or decrease
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Use of laxative and diuretics
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Constant talk about weight
Additionally, parents may notice that teens suddenly find excuses not to be present for meals, or to take their meals into other rooms to eat. Rituals around food may develop such as only eating one spoonful of each food, or having to chew food for a specific amount of time.
Other indicators include wrappers or food hidden in the teen’s room, taken out to the trash, or hordes of food found in different locations. Some teens may even consume diuretics or laxatives, and wrappers may be found in garbage cans or hidden in the trash.
Clothing as a Cover
A sudden change in the clothing style of the teen, particularly in choosing extremely baggy or layered clothing to hide weight loss or weight gain is another often overlooked sign. While anorexia results in weight loss, bulimia and binge eating often cause long-term weight gain, along with other significant health issues.
If Los Angeles teens are hiding weight loss or gain, they know that something is not right. Assisting the teen by accessing professionals to help with eating disorders is not just important, it may be critical to your child’s health and life.
For more information regarding eating disorders and substance abuse as well as their rehabilitation, confer with the professionals found at Adolescent Growth, a reputable rehabilitation facility located in the Los Angeles area.
