Puberty is a time of many rapid changes. The transformation from a child into an adult can manifest in various ways — changes in weight, the development of acne, voice mutation, etc. — all of which affect both the physical and mental state. Sometimes teenagers struggle to accept these changes and begin to impose restrictions on themselves. Eating disorders are exactly that — a problem that children open up themselves to, without realizing the possible consequences. Several factors can trigger such an issue.
Teenagers and Eating Behavior Disorders
During puberty, important health habits are formed, and a certain behavior pattern is established. Eating habits created during this period usually remain for life. Often, teenagers’ self-esteem is influenced by their body shape. They strive to sculpt the perfect body, sometimes resorting to following diets or eating regimes.
Eating behavior disorders (EBD) include four main types:
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Binge eating disorder
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Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder
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Anorexia nervosa
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Bulimia nervosa
What these problems have in common is improper eating and a "fanatical obsession with the idea of controlling food intake and/or body weight." The need to control food intake dominates the individual's behavior, value system, and self-esteem and often limits their social contacts. When these disorders last for a longer time, severe damage to physical and mental health occurs.
Development of Eating Disorders
In the past, eating disorders were considered rare diseases. However, in the 21st century, they have become much more common, especially among adolescents. The causes for the appearance and development of EBD can be various — "some predispose to the onset of the mental problem, while others trigger and maintain the disease":
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Genetic factors — a predisposing factor that can increase the risk of developing an eating disorder but only under certain circumstances and in a predisposing environment;
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Psychological factors — experiencing severe stress, life trauma, psychotrauma, violence, etc.;
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Diets — people following diets are predisposed to the covert development of disordered eating;
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Epigenetic factors — modulate the genetic predisposition to develop EBD. Among the most important epigenetic factors are the family and cultural environment, the value system in the closest surroundings, and messages promoted by the media;
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Social media — where teens have access to information about eating methods and restricted eating.
A characteristic of eating disorders is denial and hiding the illness by those affected. Therefore, relatives often find it difficult to notice the problem. Unfortunately, medical help is often sought only when serious disturbances have already occurred. The complications typical of the acute phase of eating disorders often continue even after overcoming the problem, leading to a wide range of physical and emotional disorders and low quality of life in youth and adulthood.
Family Environment and Its Influence on a Teen’s Life
"The most important role in establishing and encouraging healthy eating behavior in a child is played by the family environment surrounding them. Introducing them to various tastes and aromas early on encourages healthy eating and food preferences in future life."
Besides providing opportunities for balanced and healthy nutrition, parents must be good role models for their teens. Therefore, they should be informed about the influence that alternative eating models have on children, as well as the possible consequences.
"Healthy eating in children is crucial for their normal physical and mental development and for the state of their immune system. It is also an important part of preventing chronic non-communicable diseases, which is why healthy eating habits must be developed early in childhood."
Alternative Eating Models
These are dietary methods different from the generally accepted principles of healthy eating. Often teens adopt them out of a desire to lose weight or to seek attention. "Usually, children copy alternative diets from their closest surroundings (friends, parents) or from the media (internet, TV, etc.) without realizing the risks and contraindications of these diets." Unfortunately, the age range for following risky eating models is lowering.
"There are various alternative forms of eating that may have only temporary effects on weight but pose serious risks to growth, development, and health."
The most common alternative diets practiced by adolescents are:
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Ketogenic diet (high-fat or high-protein)
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Vegetarianism (including veganism and raw foodism)
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Food combining
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Fasting (intermittent fasting)
Consequences observed among children following alternative eating models include "undernutrition, compensatory overeating (hyperphagia), or unbalanced nutrition with the development of nutritional deficiencies." These also affect the teen’s mental health, as they often feel dissatisfied with their body shape, become irritable, emotionally unstable, and have low self-esteem.
Family – Prevention of Alternative Eating Models
The family environment plays the most important role in building children’s eating habits. The frequency of eating disorders is lower in families that eat together and discuss concerns about weight. "It is important for parents to offer their teens varied, balanced, and healthy nutrition while also being good role models with their own eating habits. They need to be educated on promoting moderation and focus on healthy food choices rather than restrictive eating models."