Why Eating Disorders in Teen Girls Are So Common
Parents call me about many different concerns, one of which is the possibility that their daughter has an eating disorder. Once girls are in counseling, even if they came for a completely different reason, they frequently reveal that they believe they are overweight. Of the girls who believe this, a significant number are actively trying to lose weight. If those efforts become extreme or dangerous, they may qualify for an eating disorder. Lately, I have been seeing a lot of eating disorders in teen girls, so it seems like a good time to talk about this issue.
Common Warning Signs of Eating Disorders in Teen Girls
You may have noticed that I wrote, “If those efforts become extreme or dangerous, they may qualify for an eating disorder.” What exactly does “dangerous” mean?
Many girls (and sometimes boys) who are trying to lose weight turn to unhealthy methods. For example, frequent self-induced vomiting can cause serious health problems. It can damage teeth, injure the esophagus, and create electrolyte imbalances. In severe cases, those imbalances can even become life-threatening. There are many other dangerous behaviors used to lose weight. These include crash dieting, excessive exercise that leads to illness or injury, fasting, using laxatives, eliminating entire food groups, or using drugs to suppress appetite.
When Healthy Eating Isn’t Actually Healthy
Nutrition is an essential part of good health. Ironically, many girls struggling with eating disorders become obsessed with food and nutrition while still eating in very unhealthy ways.
One example comes from a girl I worked with who struggled with an eating disorder. She developed numerous misconceptions about food based on diet trends. She believed carbohydrates were harmful and were like poison for the body. If she ate only salads for lunch and dinner, she considered that a healthy day of eating. In reality, she had simply consumed too few calories while missing important nutrients such as carbohydrates and protein.
Treating Eating Disorders in Teen Girls
Therapists are not nutritionists, but we are often required to address nutritional concerns as part of treatment. Because of this, eating disorders are frequently treated with a team approach that includes both a therapist and a registered dietitian.
The dietitian helps the teen create a healthy eating plan. The therapist helps her manage the emotions that come with following that plan. For many girls, that emotional work is incredibly difficult and is a major part of recovery.
A medical doctor is also required to ensure that your teen is recovering their health (They monitor labs, check cardiovascular health, etc.). In addition to this, you, the parent, will play a vital role in your teen’s recovery. The therapist will teach you how to guide your teen’s eating habits and support them emotionally as they start healing.
The Emotional Side of Eating Disorders in Teen Girls
Eating disorders are primarily emotional struggles. Girls with anorexia often appear to be in complete control of their eating habits. On the surface, they may seem highly disciplined and determined. In reality, their eating behaviors are driven by deep feelings of shame, self-disgust, fear, anxiety, and dissatisfaction with themselves. Teens with bulimia often experience these same emotions. In addition, they often feel emotionally numb or disconnected during a binge episode.
Questions to Ask if You Are Concerned
If you are worried that your daughter may have an eating disorder, start by having a conversation. Ask her how she feels about her body. Ask whether she is trying to diet. Find out how much time and energy she spends thinking about food, weight, and exercise.
Most girls are aware of these things to some degree, but many still eat normally and exercise moderately. What you are looking for is whether the concern seems extreme or consuming. Also pay attention to how your daughter responds. If she becomes highly defensive, angry, or unwilling to discuss the topic, that can sometimes be a sign that something deeper is going on.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,