EATING DISORDER TREATMENT FOR ADOLESCENTS

Is your Teen Struggling with Anorexia or Bulimia?
Adolescents, primarily teenagers are a population of individuals who struggle with eating disorders, including Anorexia and Bulimia. During the teen years, the developmental changes, both hormonal and physical are often quick, drastic, and unexpected. Weight gain is a common physical change. Some teens may already be struggling with weight issues, prior to entering high school. Weight gain or loss is a common topic of discussion and focus for teenagers. Obsession over weight issues often results in eating disorders and compulsive addictive behaviors.

Teens often hold themselves to a standard for appearance, based on their peers and the media. Teen boys are often trying to gain weight, as they look forward to growth spurts, and prepare for young adulthood. Sports such as wrestling and football, often increase pressure or stress for teen boys to gain or lose weight.

Teen girls are the most targeted population for marketing purposes. In advertisements, thin models promote products. Advertisements include magazines, music videos, television commercials, infomercials, billboards, and newspapers. During a time when a teen girl might be struggling with unexpected weight gain, due to hormonal changes and physical changes in height, she is also struggling with a world in which media and marketing are inescapable, and thin underweight girls are promoted as an acceptable teen image.

Inevitably, some teenagers develop poor body images and attempt to cope with life problems and/or the pressure to obtain a particular weight, by reducing food and calorie intake, leading to Anorexia. Some teens binge and purge, allowing an opportunity to consume food but also purging it from the body, leading to Bulimia. These behaviors become addictive and compulsive. These behaviors may also become life-threatening.

It is important to seek help if you are a teen struggling with Eating Disorders. If you are the friend or family member of a teen struggling with Anorexia or Bulimia, call now for help at our toll free teen treatment center helpline: 1-888-757-6237 or e-mail us.