Warning Signs of Eating Disorders in Children

An article posted on The News-Herald, based in Northern Ohio, discusses the recent increases reported for eating disorders in children. Not only has there been a jump in the number of children admitted to hospitals for eating disorders, but the average age of children struggling with eating disorders is getting lower.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports that there has been a 119 percent increase in hospitalizations for eating disorders among children under the age of 12. This may come as a surprise to those who have noted the almost constant news about the obesity epidemic among children.

Some eating disorder experts worry that the campaigns for education and prevention in response to the obesity epidemic may also be spurring some children to overly restrictive eating behaviors. While the programs to prevent obesity focus on healthy lifestyles rather than weight loss, some kids are extremely sensitive to this material and hear only the aspects related to weight management.

The article warns parents to watch for signs that their child may be developing an eating disorder. If a child suddenly takes an interest in becoming a vegetarian or vegan, for instance, parents should discuss this change with the child and their pediatrician, watching for signs that the child is struggling with a bigger issue. In addition, if a child disappears for a half-hour of more after a meal, parents should take note that there may be a problem.

Parents should not consider any signs of a problem to be just a phase. Instead, caution should be taken by keeping an open dialogue with their child and bringing the possibility of a problem to the attention of their pediatrician.

Tags: awareness, children, warning signs