no body is perfect!

This is NOT a Medical Document. This is an open discussion about Eating Disorders among teens. In case of suffering from or suspecting an Eating Disorder you must seek medical help from certified medical professionals. www.dimasharif.com

Understanding Eating Disorders Among Teens

Ways For Prevention

&

By Dima Sharif


Does any of this sound familiar?

"I'm too tall.", "I'm too short.", "I'm too

skinny.", "If only I were

shorter/taller/had curly hair/straight

hair/a smaller nose/longer legs, I'd be

happy."…

Do you have these thoughts too? If so, you're not

alone! We all seem to not like some things about

the way we look. We all occasionally put ourselves

down with criticisms and negative thoughts about

our body image. “The grass is always greener on

the other side” is a common thought. These

thoughts can be healthy, if used as a driver to

motivate us to be as healthy as we can. Be it by monitoring our food intake, making sure we exercise

regularly, get the proper rest our body needs…etc. However, these thoughts can become destructive! If

we become obsessed with wanting a ‘body image’ that is simply not the way our bodies are, like for

instance, some are naturally tall, others are shorter, obsessing about how tall/ short you are won’t change

the fact! It will only make you feel bad, and cause you to have a distorted body image.

In our image-obsessed world, it can be easy to become excessively critical of our bodies. When media

images, celebrity idols, and social circles over highlight a confusion between healthy and skinny it

becomes easy to fall victim to a distorted view of our body image. We become obsessed with body


images that are being forced on us through the media. We become obsessed with a specific weight, a

specific size, and a specific image that everyday concerns about healthy eating and weight management

can cross the line and become eating disorders. What most of us forget is that our bodies are different!

And just because this model or that looks perfect, does not mean that we all have to look the same! Even

the models, have parts of their bodies that they do not like! We all have something to criticize!

But the most important thing to know is that we all have very different body shapes, we are all

beautiful in our individual and unique ways. All we need to do is work with what we have, and opt

to be as healthy as we possibly can.


Developing Eating Disorders

When our body image becomes an obsession,

when we don’t understand our body type and think

we can change it, when all we do is continuously

reduce food intake to lose more weight until we

reach a point that we are hardly eating, we have

then fallen victim to Eating Disorders.

Eating Disorders are more than just going on a

diet to lose excessive weight, or trying to

exercise everyday to remain healthy.

Eating Disorders are extremes in eating

behaviours: The diet that never ends and

gradually gets more restrictive! Eventually

causing serious and life threatening health

issues.

Each year, thousands of teens develop eating disorders, or problems with weight, eating,

or body image. This happens when someone starts to do things that are physically and emotionally

unsafe that could have long-term health consequences. Some people go on extreme diets and can

develop Anorexia. Others may go on eating binges, where they overeat to excess and develop the

Binge Eating Disorder. Others may purge the food they've just eaten and develop Bulimia. While

these are the most common eating disorders, there are many other eating disorders like body image

disorder, food phobias… etc. Whatever the type of eating disorder, they all cause severe damage to our

bodies and vital organs, eventually making us dangerously ill.

Signs of Eating Disorders

1. Sometimes a person with an eating disorder starts out just trying to lose some weight or hoping to

get in shape. However, the urge to eat less or to purge or over-exercise gets "addictive" and

becomes too hard to stop.

2. Teens with anorexia or bulimia often feel intense fear of being fat or think that they are fat

when they are not.


3. Those with anorexia may weigh food before eating it or compulsively count the calories of

everything they eat. Teens who believe this is "normal" or "cool" or who wish that others

would leave them alone so they can just diet and be thin might have a serious problem.

Anorexia

People with anorexia have a real fear of weight gain and a distorted view of their body size and shape. As

a result, they cannot maintain a normal body weight. Many teens with anorexia restrict their food intake by

dieting, fasting, or excessive exercise. They hardly eat at all, and the small amount of food they do eat

becomes an obsession!

Others with anorexia may also develop Bulemia, where they start binge eating and purging: eating a lot

of food and then trying to get rid of the calories by forcing themselves to vomit, using laxatives, or

exercising excessively, or a combination of these.

Signs of Someone with anorexia include:

becoming very thin, frail, or emaciated

being obsessed with eating, food, and weight control

weighing him/herself repeatedly

deliberately "water loading" when going to see a health professional to get weighed

counting or portioning food carefully


only eating certain foods, avoiding foods like dairy, meat, wheat, etc. (of course, lots of people who

are allergic to a particular food or are vegetarians avoid certain foods)

exercising excessively

feeling fat

withdrawing from social activities, especially meals and celebrations involving food

being depressed, lethargic (lacking in energy), and feel cold a lot

Bulimia

Bulimia is similar to anorexia. With bulimia, someone might binge eat

(eat to excess) and then try to compensate in extreme ways, such as

forced vomiting, using laxatives or excessive exercise, to prevent

weight gain. Over time, these steps can be dangerous — both

physically and emotionally. They can also lead to compulsive

behaviors (ones that are hard to stop).

To be diagnosed with bulimia, a person must be binging and purging

regularly, at least twice a week for a couple of months. People with

bulimia eat a large amount of food (often junk food) at once, usually in

secret. In extreme cases, bulimic individuals might even eat food that

is not cooked or might be still frozen, or retrieve food from the trash.

They typically feel powerless to stop the eating and can only stop once they're too full to eat any more.

Most people with bulimia then purge the food they just consumed.

Signs of Someone with bulimia include:

fears weight gain

Is intensely unhappy with body size, shape, and weight

makes excuses to go to the bathroom immediately after meals

only east diet or low-fat foods (except during binges)

regularly buys laxatives, diuretics, or enemas

spends most of his or her time working out or trying to work off calories

withdraws from social activities, especially meals and celebrations involving food


Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder is different from going to a party

and "pigging out" on pizza, then deciding to go to the

gym the next day and eat more healthfully.

This eating disorder is similar to anorexia and bulimia

because a person binges regularly on food (more than

three times a week). However, unlike the other eating

disorders, a person with binge eating disorder does not

try to "compensate" by purging the food.

What Causes Eating Disorders?

Many people who develop an eating disorder are between 13 and 17 years old. This is a time of

emotional and physical changes, academic pressures, and a greater degree of peer pressure. Although

during teen age it is completely normal (and necessary) to gain some additional body fat especially

during puberty, some respond to this change by

becoming very fearful of their new weight and body

image. They might mistakenly feel compelled to get rid

of it any way they can.

Add to that the pressure of conforming with celebrity

role models while bodies grow and change during this

age; it is not hard to see why some teens develop a

negative view of themselves. Most celebrity teens and

athletes conform to the "Hollywood image", where girls

are petite and skinny, and guys are athletic and

muscular. The popularity of these body types extended

from Hollywood to high school, adding more pressure

on teens to conform with these images.

Many people with eating disorders can also be

depressed or anxious, or have other health problems.

There is also evidence that eating disorders may run in

families, mostly because we learn our values and behaviors from our families.

Most Celebrity pictures are edited and fixed to look

skinnier, to fix the look...etc as you can see in the

image above


Sports and Eating Disorders

Athletes and dancers are particularly vulnerable to developing eating disorders around the time of

puberty, as they may want to stop or suppress growth (both height and weight). Coaches, family

members, and others may encourage teens in certain sports — such as gymnastics, ice skating, and

ballet — to be as thin as possible. Some athletes and runners are also encouraged to weigh less or shed

body fat at a time when they are biologically destined to gain it.

Effects of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious medical illnesses. They often go along with other problems such as

stress, anxiety, depression, and substance use.

Eating disorders can lead to the development of other serious physical health problems, such as

heart conditions or kidney failure.

Someone whose body weight is at least 15% less than the average weight for that person's

height may not have enough body fat to keep organs and other body parts healthy.

In severe cases, eating disorders can lead to severe malnutrition and even death.


With anorexia, the body goes into starvation

mode, and the lack of nutrition can affect the

body in many ways:

a drop in blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rate

hair loss and fingernail breakage

loss of periods

lanugo hair — a soft hair that can grow all over the skin

lightheadedness and inability to concentrate

anemia

swollen joints

brittle bones

With bulimia, constant vomiting and lack of nutrients can cause these problems:

constant stomach pain

damage to the stomach and kidneys

tooth decay (from exposure to stomach acids)

"chipmunk cheeks," when the salivary glands permanently expand from throwing up so often

loss of periods

loss of the mineral potassium (this can contribute to heart problems and even death)

A person with binge eating disorder who gains a lot of weight is at risk of

developing:

Diabetes

Heart disease

Some of the other diseases associated with being overweight. Like high Cholesterol, High Blood

pressure…etc

Other side effects of Eating Disorders:

The emotional pain of an eating disorder can take its toll, too. When someone becomes obsessed

with weight, it becomes hard to concentrate on much else.

Having an eating disorder can use up a lot of mental energy: planning what to eat, how to avoid

food, planning a binge, getting money to buy food or laxatives or other medications…etc It can be

exhausting and overwhelming to monitor food intake and exercise, and be in a constant state of

stress about food and how your body looks.


You become withdrawn and less social: It's easy to see why when you develop an eating disorder

it negatively affects your social life. It gets too hard to join in on snacks and meals with friends or

families, or too hard to stop the addictive exercising or working out to have fun. Besides you will

be very busy making up reasons to use the bathroom after meals, or figuring out how to tell

people around you that you want to be alone after a meal, which is not exactly promoting a

healthy social behaviour.

Treatment for Eating Disorders

Fortunately, eating disorders CAN be treated. People with eating disorders can get well and

gradually learn to eat well and interact with their family and friends again. Because Eating Disorders

involve both the mind and body, medical doctors, mental health professionals, and dietitians will often be

involved in a person's treatment and recovery. Therapy or counseling is a very important part of getting

better. In many cases, family therapy is one of the keys to eating healthily again. Parents and other family

members are important in supporting people who have to regain weight that they are afraid of, or to learn

to accept the body shapes that their culture, genes, and lifestyle allows for.

Learning to be comfortable at your healthy weight is a process. It takes time to unlearn some behaviors

and relearn others. Be patient, you can learn to like your body, understand your eating behaviors, and

figure out the relationship between feelings and eating, which are all the tools you need to feel in control

and to like and accept yourself for who you are.


If you want to talk to someone about eating disorders but are unable or not ready

to talk to a parent or close family member, try reaching out to a teacher, school

nurse or counselor, your doctor, or another trusted adult. You will be surprised

how much better you will feel and how much help and support you will get once

you do reach out.

Where Can I Go if I Need Help?

Sometimes, Eating Disorders and body image issues are too much to handle alone. A few teens may

become depressed, and lose interest in activities or friends. If you are feeling this way, it can help to talk

to a parent, coach, religious leader, guidance counselor, therapist, or friend. A trusted adult — someone

who supports you and doesn't bring you down — can help you put your body image in perspective and

give you positive feedback about your body, your skills, and your abilities. If you can't turn to anyone you

know, ask your doctor, s/he can guide and suggest health professionals who can help you out. The most

important thing is to get help if you feel like your body image and self-esteem are affecting your life.


If you have a friend whom you suspect has Eating Disorders, this is what you can d to help:

People with eating disorders often have trouble

admitting that they have a problem, even to

themselves. They may feel guarded and private.

It can be hard trying to help someone who isn't

ready or doesn't think help is needed. Try not to get

angry or frustrated. Remind your friend that you

care. If your friend tells you it is none of your

business or that there is no problem, you might

have to talk to someone else about it.

These are some guidelines to help you deal with the situation:

Start by talking to your friend privately about what you've noticed.

Explain that you are worried. Be as gentle as possible, and try to really listen to and be supportive

about what your friend is going through.

If your friend opens up about what's going on, ask how you can help.

Tell your friend you want to help him or her get healthy again. Try not to make statements like "If you'd

just eat (or stop working out so much), you'll get better." Instead, asking simple questions like "How

can I help?" shows you can listen and be supportive without judging.

Find out as much as you can about eating disorders from reliable sources.

Many organizations, books, websites, hotlines, or other resources are devoted to helping people who

are battling eating disorders. Learning more can help you better understand what your friend is going

through. Share what you learn with your friend if he or she is open to it, but do not preach or

campaign.

Try not to be too watchful of your friend's eating habits, food amounts, and choices.

It can be tempting to try to get a friend to eat more, but eating disorders are complicated so it often

does no good (and it may push a friend away if he or she thinks you are judging or lecturing).

Know your limits.


Being concerned and trying to help is part of a good friendship. But don't take it on yourself to fix

things. This is one time where telling a friend what to do or how to act probably won't work.

Focus on inner qualities.

Try not to talk about food, weight, diets, or body shape (yours, your friend's, or even a popular

celebrity's). Focus instead on people's strengths, like how someone has a great smile, helpful nature,

or talents in something like math or art.

Offer to go with your friend to a support group or be there when your friend talks to a

counselor.

If your friend isn't getting better and isn't getting help, it might be time to talk to someone else.

Try talking to your parents, the school guidance counselor or nurse, athletic coach, or even your

friend's parents. This isn't easy to do because it can feel like betraying a friend. But part of being a

good friend is doing everything you can to help.

Remind your friend that you're there no matter what.

Listen and be supportive. Sometimes you'd be surprised how asking simple questions like "What

would make you feel better?" can lead to a great conversation about how you can help your friend

heal.


You can be healthy, exercise and occasionally diet to shed excess weight. This does not necessarily mean an Eating Disorder. However, Unhealthy Diets, Bad Eating Habits, Unhealthy Relationships with Food, Poor Body Image…etc can all lead to Eating Disorders. To prevent that, you need to understand Healthy Eating.

What are Unhealthy Diets?

Any diet on which you eat fewer calories than you

need to get through the day — like an 800-calorie-

per-day diet, for instance — can be dangerous.

Diets that don't allow any fat also can be bad for you. Everyone needs a certain amount of fat in

their diet — up to 30% of total calories — so no one should eat a completely fat-free diet.

Don't fall for diets that restrict certain food groups, either. A diet that requires you to say no to

bread or pasta or allows you to eat only fruit is unhealthy. You won't get the vitamins and

minerals you need. And although you may lose weight, you'll probably gain it back as soon as

you start eating normally again.

Some people start dieting because they think all the problems in their lives are because of weight.

Others have an area of their lives that they cannot control, like a bad relationship, so they focus

excessively on something they can control — their exercise and food intake. Food and exercise

must never be used to compensate for or deal with stress or emotional problems.

People who diet may get lots of praise and compliments from friends and family when they start

losing pounds, which makes them feel good. But eventually a person reaches a weight plateau —

and doesn't lose as much weight as before because the body is trying to maintain a healthy

weight. People in these situations eventually discover that, even if they do lose weight, they aren't

any happier.


Some people may find it hard to control their eating, so they stick with an extreme diet for a little

while, but then eat tons of food. Feeling guilty about the binge, they vomit or use laxatives. Eating

too little to maintain a healthy weight (anorexia) or eating only to throw up the calories (bulimia)

are both eating disorders, which are harmful to a person's health. Someone with an eating

disorder needs medical treatment right away.

How to Lose Weight Safely?

When you are a teen, dieting can be dangerous because you may not get the right kinds and amounts of

nutrients, which can lead to poor growth and other health problems. However, eating healthy meals and

snacks combined with reasonable amounts of exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, or lose

the excess pounds, while developing properly at the same time. For many people, just being more active

might help them lose weight without even changing what they eat. Regular exercise also helps them feel

healthier and better about themselves.

The best way to diet is to eat a wide variety of enough

food to meet your body's needs.

Aim to eat more fruits and veggies

Cut back on meats high in fat (like burgers and hot

dogs), greasy fried foods, and sweets.

Drink more water instead of sugary drinks like sports

drinks or sodas.

If you are concerned about your body's size or think you need

to lose weight, talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian,

who may reassure you that you are at a healthy weight. Or if

you are overweight, he or she can sit down with you and

determine the best way for you to reach a healthy weight.


Great Ways to Find Good Health

If you want to change your health habits, here are some tried-and-true tips:

Exercise! Find a sport you like, walk to school, or ride a bike a few times per week.

Drink milk, including fat-free or low-fat milk. (Many teens mistakenly think that milk has more

calories than other drinks like soda. But a cup of skim milk has only 80 calories as well as

protein and calcium. A can of soda has 150 calories of sugar and no other nutrients at all.)

Eat a variety of foods, including plenty — at least five servings a day — of fruits and veggies.

(Unfortunately, potato chips don't count as veggies!)

Drink plenty of water (at least four to six 8-ounce glasses a day).


Eat lean, high-protein foods, like lean meat, chicken, fish, or beans.

Eat whole grains (like whole-wheat bread or pasta), which provide fiber, B vitamins, and iron.

Eat breakfast. Studies show that people who eat breakfast do better in school, tend to eat less

throughout the day, and are less likely to be overweight.

Choose smaller portions at fast-food restaurants. Avoid supersizing even if it feels like better

value.

Stay away from fad diets — you might lose a few pounds temporarily, but if you don't focus on

changing your habits, you'll probably just gain it back when you go back to your usual way of

eating.

Don't take diet pills, even ones you get over the counter.

Avoid seeing foods as "good" or "bad" or eliminating entire groups of foods, like dairy. If you

eliminate entire food groups, you may miss out on important nutrients, like calcium.

If you choose to become a vegetarian, talk to your doctor or dietitian about how to make

nutritious vegetarian choices.

Food is so much fun, very social and delicious. Food is a fabulous experience that brings us

closer to the people around us, besides being a pleasure. You don’t want to miss out on the

beauty and pleasure that food brings to our lives. Like with everything in life, All is Good in

moderation. A balance is always needed.

Please don’t suffer in silence. Please seek help you will be amazed how good it feels to recover!

no body is perfect!

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