program, says, “It is important for parents to know that the main risk factor for developing an eating disorder is genetic. Tis means some children are genetically at risk and others are not.” Te fires of predisposition can be fueled by “body
dissatisfaction, dieting and involvement in activities that favor thinness, such as dance, gymnastics and running,” says Herrin, adding that the disorder defies stereotypes. “Because a child is male or has always been on the heavier side doesn’t mean that child is immune from developing an eating disorder.” Being repelled by foods with certain colors, tastes, textures
or smells and having phobias around vomiting or choking are oſten catalysts to disorders. “Extreme picky eating that leads to restricting food intake is now considered an eating disorder in its own right, called avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID),” says Herrin. “Te main difference between the child restricting food intake because of anorexia nervosa and the child with ARFID is that those with ARFID don’t care about weight or have body image issues.” For Cassandra Lenza, an eating disorder therapist and the
owner of Healing on Hudson, in Hoboken, New Jersey, the lasting imprints of a pervasive “diet culture” cannot be ignored. “Te main and persistent risk factor for the development of eating disorders is early dieting,” she says. “Children under 12 who are dieting or exposed to dieting in their environment are more susceptible to the development of eating disorders than children who are not.” It is imperative, she says, that parents model healthy eating and
provide a child with the tools for success.
A Whole-Child Approach Cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness training and yoga have been shown in studies to help both children and adults to process critical emotions, thoughts and eating patterns. Lenza attests to the effectiveness of holistic, multidisciplined care for reversing the common effects of eating disorders like exhaustion and gastrointestinal, hormonal or cognitive impairment. “We recommend a three-pronged treatment approach for all children which includes working with a therapist who treats eating disorder behavior, a registered dietitian who can help nutritionally and a pediatrician who can monitor the child medically,” she says. Habits and bonds within the family unit go a long way toward
prevention. “Having a family dinner most days of the week substantially reduces the risk of a child developing an eating disorder,” says Herrin. For recovery, she advises, “Te most effective treatment for children up to age 19 is family-based treatment (FBT). In FBT, clinicians show parents how to help their child eat enough to restore health. Te type of eating that is most effective is good old-fashioned meals with plenty of calories from carbs, fat and protein.” With observant parents and quality care, children have a
brighter future. “Te early signs are oſten subtle,” counsels Herrin. “Trust your intuition.”
Marlaina Donato is an author and composer. Connect at
WildflowerLady.com.
Kids’ Eating Disorders Some common disorders in children 12 and under include:
ANOREXIA NERVOSA: Signs and symptoms include weight loss (oſten dramatic), distorted body image, intense anxiety/fear of weight gain and other behaviors that prevent weight gain.
AVOIDANT/RESTRICTIVE FOOD INTAKE DISORDER (ARFID): Signs and symptoms include extreme pickiness; lack of interest in food without body dissatisfaction; aversion to specific tastes, smells, texture and appearance of foods; avoidance of certain foods/food groups or habitual eating of only a few foods; fear of swallowing; anxiety about getting bellyaches or getting sick; weight loss and/or stunted growth from insufficient nourishment and malnutrition.
PICA: Signs and symptoms include eating non-edible substances such as crayons, paper, grass, rocks, feces, hair, paint chips, cleaning powders or clay; health problems such as constipation or diarrhea, intestinal obstruction or infection, anemia or lead poisoning. It is oſten seen in children on the autism spectrum that have a history of abuse or neglect, or mental health conditions like schizophrenia, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder. It can also be caused by a zinc deficiency.
SUBTLE WARNING SIGNS FROM CASSANDRA LENZA INCLUDE: n Child discussing dieting, food obsessions or weight- control measures; discussing exercise with greater interest, especially if she/he has not discussed exercise or movement before
n Social confinement and isolation n Increased body dissatisfaction n Changes on child’s growth chart
Other signs: delayed puberty, eating smaller food portions, weight changes, thinning hair, hiding food, digestive problems, downy hair growth on body, severe mood swings or tantrums, excessive movement
TIPS FOR PARENTS FROM MARCIA HERRIN INCLUDE: n Avoid labeling food as good or bad. It is better to serve all kinds of foods in moderation.
n Avoid talking about dieting, weight or judgments about different body types or sizes.
n Never tease a child about their weight or changing body.
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