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Running Head: Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders among Children Teenagers and Adults

Vivian Gonzalez

The University of Texas at El Paso

Carolyn Drapes
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Abstract

Eating disorders are commonly experienced by children, adolescents, and adults all around the

world. They are mostly known to target young adolescents due to the stressful teenage stage

experienced positively or negatively by many. Eating disorders are a treatable medical illness in

which certain patterns of eating take on a life often on its own. It is a treatable disease that can be

prevented and attended through medical attention as long as it’s attended on time. Recent studies

have shown a higher risk on eating disorders among both females and males each year. Many

who are experiencing this disease tend to manage it on their own without seeking help or

treatment which results in deadly consequences. This disease has affected many over the years

sadly most don’t survive.

Eating Disorders

Many have or will experience a type of eating disorder in their life time. Commonly

experienced during adolescence or adulthood as studies have shown rare cases have been

reported during childhood. Society tends to pressure everyone towards obtaining the perfect

body shape image. Through magazines and media which many have become obsessed with

accomplishing that perfect body image, size and acceptance of society even if it means risking

their own life through obtaining their accomplishment. Many are not well aware of the immense

risks and dangers of an eating disorder. This is the reason for high death rates among people who

experience an eating disorder.

1.) How can someone detect an Eating Disorder?

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2.) Why are teenagers highly at risk of developing an eating disorder than children and adults?

3.) What are the potential dangers of an Eating Disorder?

4.) How can an Eating Disorder be prevented?

The review on the literature about eating disorders will focus on these four questions.

How can someone detect an Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders can be easily detected through common symptoms, behavioral stages,

psychological, and emotional signs. As shown by studies the commonly symptoms detected on

people of all ages are dramatic weight loss in a short period of time, hair loss, pale or grey

appearance to skin, dizziness, headaches, frequent sore throats, complaint of often feeling cold,

and low blood pressure according to the association (NEDA, 2004). As well as low blood

pressure, loss of menstrual cycle, constipation, bruised or calluses on knuckles, bloodshot or

bleeding in the eyes, mood swings or depression, fatigue, possible insomnia, and thinning of the

bones which results in osteoporosis, as shown by (The Something Fishy Website on Eating

Disorders, 2007). The behavioral stages presented are isolation, fear of eating around others,

visible food restrictions, self-starvation, obsession with continuous exercise, baggy clothes or

dressing in layers to hide body shape/ weight loss as presented and researched by the (Help

guide, 2009). The psychological and emotional signs are low self-esteem, need for acceptance

and approval of others, and perfectionist personality, according to (Psych central, 2010). The

causes of eating disorders are at times due to family or personal relationship difficulties,
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problems with work or college/ university, lack of confidence, abuse; physical, sexual or

emotional which is why it is extremely helpful to speak to a friend or family member in order to

distress, obtain support, and help when dealing with these types of issues.

What are the percentages of Eating Disorders between children, teenagers, and adults?

Eating disorders tend to develop during adolescence or early adulthood, but various

researches indicate that it can also occur during childhood or later in adulthood. They occur with

psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders. According to research 20% of

overweight girls and 6% overweight boys report using laxatives, vomiting, diver tics, and diet

pills. Children learn unhealthy attitudes towards food and weight at a very young age. This

commonly occurs due to lack of confidence around peers. It is proven that 29% of girls and 16%

of boys reported having been teased by family members about their weight loss. According to

one study girls who reported teasing by family members were 1.5 times more likely to engage in

binge-eating and extreme weight control behaviors five years later. Adolescent girls who diet are

at 324% greater risk for obesity than those who do not diet. In childhood (5-12 yrs.) the ratio of

girls to boys diagnosed with anorexia or bulimia is 5:1, where as in adolescents and adults is 10

females to every male, as presented by the organization (NEDIC, 2008). Males experience this

disorder about equally as females. This type of disorder is characterized with a concern of

becoming more muscular which is often considered a stereotypically “female” disorder,

according to the institute (NIMH, 2009).

What are the potential dangerous of an Eating Disorder?

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People who suffer eating disorders can experience a wide range of physical health

complications, serious heart conditions, and kidney failure which may lead to death. There are

different kinds of eating disorders which can result in dangerous health risks which are Binge

Eating Disorder, Anorexia Nervosa, and Bulimia Nervosa, as shown by the (The Nemours

Foundation, 2010). Anorexia Nervosa which is commonly known as Anorexia is a disease which

people have an extreme fear of weight gain and a distorted view of their body size and shape.

Bulimia Nervosa which is also commonly known as Bulimia is a disease in which a person binge

eats and then tries to compensate in extreme ways, such as forced vomiting or excessive

exercise, to in order to prevent weight gain. Binge Eating Disorder is similar to Bulimia and

Anorexia a person binges regularly on food, according to the organization (NMHC, 2004). These

disorders involve unhealthy eating patterns which build to the point where a person feels unable

to control them. It can result in serious health problems as well as death.

How can an Eating Disorder be prevented?

An eating disorder can be prevented by focusing on all the symptoms presented as shown

by the organization (The Rebel Yell, 2008). It’s important to maintain a healthy eating routine

meaning eating three meals a day. The feedback from V. Rivera (personal communication,

March 11, 2010) interview was,” the first and foremost important step towards seeking help is

accepting this disease”. Mrs. Rivera is an active member and strong survivor of Anorexia of our

community who suffered from anorexia for six years which were most of her teenage years. It

was all due to personal family issues, school, and stress. According to Mrs. Rivera’s statement
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“an eating disorder is the most depressing battle I’ve had ever experienced in my entire life”.

Isolation and rejection of most is constantly experienced each day which made her situation

much more difficult towards seeking help from family and friends. “In order to prevent this

disease medical assistance is strongly advised as soon as symptoms are shown”, Mrs. Rivera

recommends. The signs are at times easy to target but if in doubt close attention to common

symptoms is suggested.” The family support plays a major role in these kinds of situations, with

help and care all can be cured and prevented”, Mrs. Rivera.

http://www.wfu.edu/~yamaned/teaching/151/index.html
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Conclusion

Everyone should be well aware of their health. Always be aware of the common

symptoms of obtaining an eating disorder. Seek help if experiencing an eating disorder and

maintain exercise modernly not excessively. This disease has increased in America and

continues to expand over the years. As presented by the National Eating Disorder Information

Centre, which obtained much useful information when experiencing an eating disorder, ways

towards preventing this disease and techniques in order towards maintain healthy. As well as

helpful facts and ways to help children, teenagers, and adults fight against Anorexia Nervosa,

Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, and any kind of eating disorder. “The first step in any

recovery process is in first realizing that our food-and weight- related behaviors are hurting us,

rather than helping us” (NEDIC, 2008). People need to accept who they are exteriorly only then

will they obtain true body perfection.

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References

• Belmonte, j. (2001-2009). Help guide. Retrieved from

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/2/hi/default.stm

• The National eating disorder association. (2004). Retrieved from

http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/nedaDir/files/documents/handouts/Wh

atCaus.pdf

• The national eating disorder information centre. (2008). Retrieved from

http://www.nedic.ca/about/overview.shtml

• The national Institute of Mental Health. (2009, June 12). Retrieved from

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders/complete-

index.shtml

• Samhsa, Initials. (2003-2004). National mental health information center.

Retrieved from http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/

• The Nemours foundation. (1995-2010). Retrieved from

http://kidshealth.org/teen/

• Birch, H. (2008). The Rebel yell. Retrieved from

http://unlvrebelyell.com/2010/03/01/eating-disorders-highlighted-during-

awareness-week/

• The Something fishy website on eating disorders. (1998-2007). Retrieved

from http://www.something-fishy.org/isf/signssymptoms.php
• Goldsmith, T., Craven, S., & Grohol, J.M. (2010, March 2). Psych central.

Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/