Anorexia and Bulimia on the Rise Among Children and Adolescents

By Lucy Boyd RN BSN, Tue, November 30, 2010

A recent review of studies has found that eating disorders are becoming more prevalent among American children and adolescents.

The review, conducted by David S. Rosen, MD, MPH, of the University of Michigan Health System, found that approximately 1 out of 200 adolescent girls suffers from anorexia nervosa while between 1 and 2 out of 100 suffers from bulimia. Eating disorders in boys are felt to account for approximately 1 out of 10 total cases, marking a sharp increase in males suffering from these conditions.

An article in Food Consumer reports that eating-disorder hospitalizations for children under 12 increased by 119 percent during the period from 1999 to 2006. Pediatricians are being encouraged to regularly screen patients for anorexia nervosa and bulimia and to intervene when the disorders are diagnosed or suspected.

Signs of anorexia that parents may recognize include excessively counting calories, obsessing about food eaten, eating little, choosing to eat only raw vegetables and sugar-free foods and complaining about being fat despite thinness. Signs of bulimia include going to the bathroom after meals to vomit, persistent bad breath, erosion of tooth enamel, laxative use and diuretic use. Children and adolescents with bulimia may be normal weight, overweight or thin. They may also experience weight fluctuations. Parents who recognize symptoms of an eating disorder in their child should seek diagnosis and treatment from a pediatrician or psychiatrist.

OCD Self Test

Do you or a loved one feel like you might have a problem with OCD?
Take the Self Test now to get more information.

Sponsored Links

The information provided on brainphysics.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of brainphysics.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Click here to read our complete Terms of Use.