Eating disorder facts for kids

An eating disorder is a serious health problem. It happens when someone has unhealthy eating habits. This could mean eating too much, or not eating enough. These habits can really hurt a person's mind and body. Two common eating disorders are Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia nervosa.

Eating disorders are more than just about food. People with these problems often feel sad or lonely. They might use food to deal with tough feelings. They might eat very little to try and control their weight. Or, they might eat a lot of food quickly and then feel very guilty. Even if they are very thin, they might still think they are fat. These problems can lead to serious health issues, like not getting enough nutrients.

Understanding Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious conditions that affect how a person thinks about food and their body. They are not a choice. They are complex mental health issues. These problems can affect anyone, but they are more common in girls and young women.

What Are Common Eating Disorders?

There are different types of eating disorders. Each one affects people in unique ways.

Anorexia Nervosa

People with Anorexia nervosa eat very little food. They have a strong fear of gaining weight. They might see themselves as fat, even if they are very underweight. This can lead to serious health problems because their body does not get enough energy or nutrients.

Bulimia Nervosa

Someone with Bulimia nervosa might eat a very large amount of food quickly. This is called "binging." After binging, they might try to get rid of the food. This could be by throwing up, using laxatives, or exercising too much. They often feel guilty or ashamed after binging.

Binge Eating Disorder

People with Binge Eating Disorder also eat large amounts of food quickly. But they do not try to get rid of the food afterward. They often feel a loss of control during these times. They might feel upset or guilty about their eating.

Why Do Eating Disorders Happen?

Eating disorders can start for many reasons. It is usually a mix of things.

• Feelings and Thoughts: Some people use food to cope with stress, sadness, or anger. They might feel like they need to control something in their lives.
• Body Image: Society often puts pressure on people to look a certain way. This can make some people feel bad about their bodies. They might try to change their body by controlling their eating.
• Genetics: Sometimes, eating disorders can run in families. This means some people might be more likely to develop one.
• Life Events: Stressful events, like moving or losing a friend, can sometimes trigger an eating disorder.

How Eating Disorders Affect Health

Eating disorders can cause many serious health problems. These problems can affect almost every part of the body.

• Physical Health:
  • Not getting enough nutrients can make a person feel very tired. It can also hurt their heart, bones, and other organs.
  • Throwing up often can damage teeth and the throat.
  • An imbalance of important chemicals in the body, like sodium or potassium, can cause serious heart problems.
• Mental Health:
  • People with eating disorders often feel very sad, anxious, or lonely.
  • They might avoid friends and family.
  • They can have trouble focusing in school or on hobbies.

In the UK, the number of children under 13 treated in hospitals for eating disorders tripled by December 2013. This shows how important it is to understand and help young people with these problems.

Getting Help for Eating Disorders

It is very important to get help if you or someone you know might have an eating disorder. These problems do not go away on their own.

Who Can Help?

• Parents or Trusted Adults: Talk to a parent, teacher, school counselor, or another adult you trust. They can help you find the right support.
• Doctors: A doctor can check a person's physical health. They can also help find other specialists.
• Therapists: A therapist or counselor can help a person understand their feelings. They can teach healthy ways to cope with stress and body image issues.
• Nutritionists: A nutritionist can help a person learn about healthy eating. They can create a plan to help them get the right nutrients.

Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength. Recovery is possible with the right support.

See also

In Spanish: Trastornos de la conducta alimentaria para niños