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Is your Teen Struggling with
Anorexia or Bulimia?
Adolescents, primarily teenagers are
a population of individuals who struggle with eating disorders,
including Anorexia and Bulimia. During the teen years, the
developmental changes, both hormonal and physical are often
quick, drastic, and unexpected. Weight gain is a common physical
change. Some teens may already be struggling with weight issues,
prior to entering high school. Weight gain or loss is a common
topic of discussion and focus for teenagers. Obsession over
weight issues often results in eating disorders and compulsive
addictive behaviors.
Teens often hold themselves to a standard for appearance,
based on their peers and the media. Teen boys are often trying
to gain weight, as they look forward to growth spurts, and
prepare for young adulthood. Sports such as wrestling and
football, often increase pressure or stress for teen boys
to gain or lose weight.
Teen girls are the most targeted population for marketing
purposes. In advertisements, thin models promote products.
Advertisements include magazines, music videos, television
commercials, infomercials, billboards, and newspapers. During
a time when a teen girl might be struggling with unexpected
weight gain, due to hormonal changes and physical changes
in height, she is also struggling with a world in which media
and marketing are inescapable, and thin underweight girls
are promoted as an acceptable teen image.
Inevitably, some teenagers develop poor body images and attempt
to cope with life problems and/or the pressure to obtain a
particular weight, by reducing food and calorie intake, leading
to Anorexia. Some teens binge and purge, allowing an opportunity
to consume food but also purging it from the body, leading
to Bulimia. These behaviors become addictive and compulsive.
These behaviors may also become life-threatening.
It is important to seek help if you are a teen struggling
with Eating Disorders. If you are the friend or family member
of a teen struggling with Anorexia or Bulimia, call now for
help at our toll free teen treatment center helpline: 1-888-387-6237
or e-mail
us.
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