Social pressures and unrealistic body image ideals are challenges children face at an early age. Parents can help by knowing the signs of a potential eating disorder and guiding their kids to develop a healthy relationship with food and weight.

WellTuned spoke with Stephanie Bustamente, a registered nurse with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, to learn more about what parents should know about eating disorders.

Key facts about eating disorders

Stephanie Bustamente: Plenty of misconceptions about eating disorders persist. It’s important to know the facts since adolescence is known to be a “critical time” for the development of eating disorders. 

1. Eating disorders are an illness.

An eating disorder isn’t a lifestyle choice. And it’s not an act of trying to get attention. An eating disorder is a serious mental health condition resulting in a severe disturbance toward eating behaviors. It affects mental and physical health.

2. You might not immediately recognize a person with an eating disorder.

It’s a misconception that all people with eating disorders are underweight. People with eating disorders can be underweight, overweight or somewhere in the middle.

3. Eating disorders can affect anyone.

Anyone can develop an eating disorder. They affect all genders, ages, races and ethnic groups.

4. Many people with eating disorders also struggle with other mental health disorders.

People with eating disorders are also at greater risk for other mental illnesses. These include anxiety, depression and substance use disorders. They also have a higher risk for suicide.

5. Eating disorders are complicated.

No single factor causes someone to develop an eating disorder. Experts believe a combination of factors play a role, including biological, behavioral, genetic and psychological.

6. Eating disorders can be deadly.

Anorexia nervosa has a higher death rate in comparison to other mental health disorders. People with anorexia also have an increased risk for suicide.

Watch for signs

Stephanie Bustamente: The earlier an eating disorder is discovered, the better the chance of recovery. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of the warning signs, so you can take appropriate action.

There are several different kinds of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, bulimia nervosa and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). The symptoms vary by type.

In general, it’s helpful to watch out for a preoccupation with food, calories, dieting and weight loss. It’s also good to monitor fluctuations in weight, an extreme concern with body shape and size, and extreme mood swings.

Parents should watch for other signs that their child is struggling with an eating disorder, including:

• Limiting or avoiding certain foods or setting rules about eating food
• Obsessively counting calories
• Exercising excessively
• Eating food in secret
• Slipping off to the bathroom right after eating

How to get help for eating disorders

Stephanie Bustamente: If you notice something that concerns you, don’t ignore it. Help is available for your child’s recovery. Recovery usually involves a combination of therapies, and your support is vital.

You can start with your child’s primary care provider and share your concerns. You can also contact the National Eating Disorders Association or call the free ANAD hotline at 1 (888)-375-7767 for help.

Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.