Eating Disorders In Children More Common

When most of us think about eating disorders we think of teenage girls and young women who are starving themselves so that they can look like the models in magazines and, although a lot of young teens and women do suffer from eating disorders, they are not the only ones. Children as young as 4 or 5 and adults in their middle age and beyond of both sexes also suffer from eating disorders which are growing at an alarming rate. One group with whom eating disorders seem to be growing rapidly is with children between 5-15 years of age.

Eating disorders in children re becoming a more and more common problem. Anorexia nervosa is the most common eating disorder experienced by young children but bulimia is also a common problem amongst the young too. Even children who do not have eating disorders are starting to go on diets as young as 7 or 8 years of age, with 40% of 9 year olds admitting they have dieted, so it is easy to see how eating disorders can develop at a young age.

Obviously eating disorders in children can be even more damaging than they are in adults because young children are still growing and if they do not get all of the nutrients that they need from food, they could do irreparable damage to their bodies and slow down their development. That is why it is so important that eating disorders in children are noticed and treated as soon as possible.

Eating disorders in children are more common amongst those children who come from broken homes or troubled backgrounds as they use food as a way of taking some control over their lives, or to deal with difficult emotions. Children in these circumstances who may be acting strangely around food should be watched closely for any signs of eating disorder which could cause fainting, kidney failure, anaemia and many more serious problems.

Treating Eating Disorders In Children

Treating eating disorders in children is a long and often difficult process which requires specialist knowledge. There are specialist eating disorder treatment centres for children with problems such as anorexia and bulimia, around the country where children will be given specialist treatment to help them overcome their illness in a safe and secure environment.

CareUKeatingdisorders.com provide care for those with eating disorders. To learn more about eating disorders in children visit their website today.