Eating Disorders in Adolescents: How Widespread Is the Problem?
Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, are serious mental health conditions that can have devastating effects on a person’s overall health. According to the American Psychiatric Association, eating disorders affect around 5% of our population at any given moment.
Typically, these disorders develop in adolescence. Teens are particularly vulnerable to developing unhealthy relationships with their bodies and food as they go through the big physiological, mental, and emotional changes of puberty. But how widespread is the issue, and what are its implications?
The Scope of the Issue
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 2.7% of adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 will struggle with an eating disorder at some point during their teenage years. Half of all people who struggle with bulimia or binge-eating disorder developed these issues before age 19. One-third of teen girls admit to either restricting food or purging. These numbers may also be underreported—there’s still stigma surrounding mental health issues, and many people suffer in silence.
The problem of eating disorders is not confined to any specific demographic; it affects adolescents across all genders, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. However, research has shown that certain groups, such as young women, athletes, and LGBTQ+ youth, may be at a higher risk due to societal pressures, beauty standards, career goals, and other co-morbid mental health issues.
Pressure to Conform
One of the biggest risk factors for developing an eating disorder is societal pressure to conform to certain body ideals. Our culture often pairs thinness with beauty and success. Young people, particularly girls, can feel immense pressure to achieve an unrealistic body type. Social media makes this issue worse by providing a constant stream of images (many of which aren’t even real) and messages that reinforce this impossible standard. When teens compare themselves to celebrities, influencers, and even their own friends, they may struggle with their self-esteem. This feeling of inadequacy is a risk factor for developing an eating disorder.
The Family’s Role
Family dynamics can also play a role in the onset of eating disorders. Teens who grow up in homes where there is a strong emphasis on appearance, diet, or weight may internalize these values and develop disordered eating behaviors. Childhoods with trauma, abuse, neglect, or extreme poverty have also been linked to an increased risk of developing an eating disorder. When teens live in a chaotic environment, they may try to exert control by restricting their food intake or obsessing over their body image.
Long-term Impacts
The physical consequences of eating disorders are severe and can include malnutrition, heart problems, bone density loss, and, in extreme cases, death. Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Adolescents with bulimia nervosa may suffer from electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal issues, and dental problems due to frequent purging behaviors. Binge-eating disorder can lead to obesity and associated health complications such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. While some of these physical issues will resolve with treatment, a person can potentially be left with lifelong damage.
Is Your Teen Struggling With an Eating Disorder?
Early intervention makes all the difference. Depending on the severity, your teen’s treatment plan may involve a combination of psychological therapy, nutritional counseling, and medical monitoring. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in treating eating disorders. It helps people identify and change unhealthy thoughts about food, weight, and body image. Family-based therapy can also an important part of treatment, especially for younger teens, since it involves the family in the recovery process and helps to create a supportive home environment.
If you’ve noticed symptoms of an eating disorder in your teenager, reach out for help today.
