Perhaps one of the most disturbing changes in the pattern of eating disorders recently has been the increasing numbers of younger children – that is those under 16 – who are now suffering. It is now not uncommon to hear of children aged between 12 and 14 struggling with anorexia, and some treatment centres accept children as young as 6 or 7. Meanwhile the focus and obsession with weight and diet seems to be affecting younger and younger children. This article aims to explain the truth about eating disorders in children, explaining whether they are as common as we are told. It will also cover some warning signs you should be looking out for if you are concerned about a child.
It seems that children in the 21st century are very aware of their weight and feel their appearance is all-important. Recent studies have shown that by 5 years old, most children have a good understanding of what dieting is and does, and of who might need to try it. Many are also developing concerns about their own weight. In one study, most girls of between 6 and 8 (all of whom were a healthy weight) already felt that their ideal body shape would be slimmer than it is. By the teenage years, many children – especially girls – are dieting. Research shows that over half of teenage girls will be on a diet at any one time. Their aims are even more concerning. Teenage girls consistently select an ‘ideal’ body size which for the vast majority will be impossible without severe restriction of diet and which actually represents someone who is unhealthily underweight. Magazine surveys of younger teenagers reveal that almost all feel they need to lose weight, although in reality most do not need to. Some seem unaware that there is such a thing as too thin – for them the aim is simply to be as thin as possible.
Considering the unrealistic pressure under which children and teenagers place themselves, it is not surprising that increasing numbers are now falling into patterns of disordered eating. Nearly a quarter of teenage girls admit to starving themselves for periods of 24 hours or more, making themselves sick or taking laxatives/diet pills in an attempt to control their weight. Many see this as an acceptable price to pay for being thin. For some, dieting and weight loss becomes something they are very good at. The aim of ‘as thin as possible’ is taken to extremes and success at losing weight brings positive feedback from their peer-group, and increases their confidence. They become at risk of slipping into anorexia. Others may be unable to keep to the punishing schedule required to lose weight and for those, their confidence is shattered as being thin becomes all they focus on. They oscillate between restricted eating and uncontrolled bingeing. The purging behaviours of bulimia are often learned – perhaps from a magazine article about someone who used to use a particular method. Once a method is learned and the sufferer thinks it prevents weight gain, the binges get worse. These chaotic eating patterns can then become very strong as they are used as a way of coping with the various stresses of teenage life. These teenagers have become caught up in bulimia.
Amongst some groups of children, eating disorders like anorexia may even be admired, or sought after. They do not seek true anorexia, for they are blissfully unaware of the harsh reality of this illness. This is the kind of anorexia often spoken of in magazines – fleeting, unintrusive, and linked with the elusive waif-like appearance they so desire. Girls may compete with each other, constantly trying to eat less than their friends. Eating at all may be frowned upon and periods of starvation are undertaken in groups for mutual support.
Dealing with eating disorders is always frightening, but even more so if they affect a younger child or teenager. So if you find yourself in this position, try not to panic. Remember that it is possible to recover fully from eating disorders. The important thing is to find out for sure if there is a problem and then to get help as soon as possible. Contact ACHE for further advice and support.