Eating Disorders in Children

Food is amongst one of the three basic necessities of life. It is very important for kids to eat healthy and proper food for right growth and development. But the recent scenarios show an increase in the number of eating disorders amongst children. There is no set age for it to develop. It could be an adolescent as well as a kids as young as 6-7 years of age. They are concerned, in an unhealthy way, about what and how much they are eating.

The main types of eating disorders are:

Anorexia

The child has an irrational fear of becoming fat. Hence, would avoid eating an adequate amount of food. In extreme scenarios, some might vomit out food after eating. The child feels overweight, even when the reality is totally opposite.

A kid with this issue shows symptoms like sadness, anger, depression or excessive worry.

Bulimia

The child eats big chunks of food first and then tries to get rid of it either by vomiting or taking a laxative. They might even do an excessive workout, in private, to get rid of the calories. They have no control over their binging and find such ways to keep a control on their weight.

A kid with this issue loses weight despite excessive eating. He starts working out immediately after eating or uses medicines to make them either vomit or defecate or pee.

Binge Eating

The child rapidly eats big chunks of food, but does not make efforts to get rid of the same. This is more of a compulsive behaviour. The victim has loss of control in the situation. They, over the time, tend to gain weight.

A kid with the issue could be struggling with psychological issues like anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, the feeling of guilt and disgust, etc.

Improper eating habit leads to stunt development in kids. Some of the symptoms to watch out are:

1. Refusal to eat or over-eating
2. Reduction or increase in portion size
3. Hoarding or hiding food
4. Isolation
5. Growth and development issues
6. Weight loss or weight gain
7. Irregularities in the menstrual cycle in girls
8. Changes in personality

The disorder not only leads to change in eating habits but can turn out to be life-threatening as well.

There is no specific reason for the eating disorders, but a combination of various psychological, social, biological factors contributes to the problem. The culture phenomenon like being thin or underweight is healthy and makes you more acceptable also adds on. Psychological or psychiatric disorders could also be the reason.

Some of the steps parents or teachers can take on their parts to help the children with eating disorders:

1. Avoid food as a reward
2. Do not give too much value to physical appearance or criticize them for the same
3. Do not force the child to eat beyond the capacity
4. Provide awareness to your child regarding the same
5. Keep a check on their behaviour
6. You can encourage the child to get involved in sports and exercises
7. Encourage and be emotionally available for the child
8. Do not over pressurize the child with unrealistic goals
9. Introduce them to great idols of different shapes and sizes

It is important to seek professional help if the elders are unable to help the child cope up with their problems. The child might need a nutritionist, doctor or a psychiatrist or counsellor, depending on the need. Taking an action, as soon as possible, is important.

Do you feel your child could relate to the above symptoms? Do you want expert advice regarding the same?
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