Ways to help teens with eating disorders

Clinical depression can, of course, be devastating and even fatal.

Clinical depression can, of course, be devastating and even fatal.

Published Feb 14, 2014

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QUESTION: I am a Grade 8 teacher at a government high school in a low to middle-income community. I would like to understand the condition of eating disorders a bit better, so I can help my pupils. I also don’t know when to get involved or talk to parents. Please assist.

 

ANSWER: There is no one exact cause for eating disorders. The simplest approach to understanding the causes are grouped into biological, psychological and environmental categories.

There may be a genetic link that makes certain people more vulnerable to developing eating disorders. People with close relatives with an eating disorder may be more likely to develop one.

Evidence also exists that serotonin influences behaviour around eating habits. Low self-esteem, perfectionism, impulsive behaviour and troubled relationships all contribute to the risk of developing an eating disorder.

There are many children who are concerned about how they look and can feel self-conscious about their bodies. The process is heightened during puberty, and for some these changes can create new social issues.

The problem is when a child’s “concern” can lead to an obsession which presents as an eating disorder. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa can permanently affect their health.

 

Warning signs

* Misses regular meals.

* Eats only “safe” foods- low in fat and calories.

* Rituals – cuts food into tiny pieces or spitting food out after chewing.

* Cooks for others, but refuses to eat themselves.

* Social withdrawal.

* Excessive worry about being fat.

* Has a distorted body image.

* Avoids eating in public.l Looks for flaws.

* Wears loose-fitting clothing or layers of clothing.

* Binges on large amounts of sweet or high-fat foods.

* Uses laxatives, diuretics and medication to induce vomiting.

* Is desperate for dietary supplements.

* Hoards food.

* Leaves during meals to use the toilet.

* Eats in secret.

 

Preventing eating disorders

* Build their self-esteem.

* Encourage healthy attitudes about nutrition and appearance.

* Step in early if you are worried.

* Seek proper medical care and expertise early.

 

For consultations and a physical assessment do not hesitate to seek professional advice. - Cape Argus

 

* Dr Darren Green, a trusted figure in the field of media medicine, is a University of Stellenbosch graduate who adds innovative spark to health and wellness issues.

He features on 567CapeTalk, and is a regular guest on SABC3 and the Expresso show. Dr Green works as an emergency medical practitioner at a leading Cape Town hospital and completed four years of training as a registrar in the specialisation of neurology.

If you’ve got medical problems, contact the doctor at [email protected], 021 930 0655 or Twitter @drdarrengreen. Catch him in Cape Town on 567 CapeTalk, most Fridays at 1.30pm.

The advice in this column does not replace a consultation and clinical evaluation with a doctor.

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