eating disorders in teens
Social Pressure
The effects of peer pressure should not be taken lightly. Though people of all ages succumb to peer pressure, it is typically heightened in teen years with a desire to “fit in.” Teens who play sports may feel an obligation to maintain a “healthy” or desired weight that their coaches and/or teammates recommend. For aesthetic and weight-class sports, including gymnastics and weightlifting, 62% of females develop an eating disorder. Therefore, the demands of sports health-wise should not be dismissed in the slightest. Social media is another important factor when considering the high onset of eating disorders during adolescence, as it may trigger dieting, and with genetic disposition, an eating disorder. More time on social media has been equated to a higher likelihood of feeling body dissatisfaction.
Biological Changes
In teen years, hormonal changes during puberty, along with other social, neurological, and psychological factors, can contribute to rapid swings in emotion. Teens may feel like their wheels are spinning out of control, especially without adequate coping mechanisms for stress. This new era of life comes with many biological changes that may promote the onset of anxiety and depression, which commonly co-occur with eating disorders. Once a teen develops an eating disorder, hunger and stress hormones are perpetuating factors that guide its continuation.
Hunger Hormones
Leptin
a hormone secreted by fat cells, makes people feel full. It has a positive relationship with body fat/mass: a decrease in body fat/mass means a decrease in leptin levels. Excessive weight loss may very well make people with anorexia hungrier, though fear of weight gain may keep them from eating.
Ghrelin
is released by the stomach. It signals hunger to the brain from gastro-intestinal (GI) cells. Ghrelin levels normally rise before meal times, encouraging food consumption. However, studies have shown that in people with bulimia and binge-eating disorder, these levels do not fall enough after eating. The result: a compulsion to continue eating.
Stress Hormones
Cortisol
is often pinpointed as the “main” stress hormone. Cortisol levels can increase from the distress EDs cause, and may be compounded by pressure from school or extracurriculars. Teens with elevated cortisol levels are at a greater risk for anxiety, depression, and sleep issues. These problems can encourage the ED to continue, as strict eating behaviors may be a way for teens to cope with a perceived lack of control.
Noradrenaline
is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, and it engages the fight-or-flight system. This system helps people decide what to do in the face of danger. Similar to cortisol, it plays a role in anxiety development and other health issues.
Myth vs. Truth
The 9 Truths about Eating Disorders (NEDA) address common misconceptions about eating disorders and help eliminate stigma surrounding them. The 9 More Truths about Eating Disorders (AED) delve specifically into weight stigma. Distinguishing facts from lies spread through social media or news outlets is crucial to raising awareness about the complexity of EDs.
MYTH: “Only rich, skinny girls develop eating disorders.”
TRUTH #1: Many people with eating disorders look healthy, yet may be extremely ill.
TRUTH #5: Eating disorders affect people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, body shapes and weights, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic statuses.
MYTH: “Eating disorders aren’t that serious.”
TRUTH #3: An eating disorder diagnosis is a health crisis that disrupts personal and family functioning.
TRUTH #6: Eating disorders carry an increased risk for both suicide and medical complications.
MYTH: “Eating disorders are just teen phases.”
TRUTH #4: Eating disorders are not choices, but serious biologically influenced illnesses.
MYTH: “Either social media OR genes causes eating disorders.”
TRUTH #7: Genes AND environment play important roles in the development of eating disorders.
TRUTH #8: Genes alone do not predict who will develop eating disorders.
MYTH: “Treatment for eating disorders is always isolating and unsuccessful.”
TRUTH #2: Families are not to blame, and can be the patients’ and providers’ best allies in treatment.
TRUTH #9: Full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Early detection and intervention are important.
FAMILIES CAN HELP.
Seeking medical attention for EDs is the first step in the recovery process. In order for teens, and any person, to make rational decisions, being properly fed through FBT (Family-Based Treatment) alongside a mental health professional or dietician trained in EDs is the first step. With the support of families in therapy, ED recovery becomes that much more manageable. Coinciding with NEDA’s Truth #2 about EDs, family-focused recovery is the “first line of attack,” as it is the most effective for children and teens in particular.
You're not alone.
We're here to help.
CALL/TEXT THE NEDA HELPLINE AT (800) 931-2237 IF YOU OR ANYONE ELSE MAY NEED ASSISTANCE.
*ABSENCE OF CERTAIN EATING DISORDER SIGNS/SYMPTOMS DOES NOT MEAN THAT ONE SHOULD NOT SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP.