Eating Disorders on the Rise for School Age Children

A report was recently published by the American Academy of Pediatrics that showed an alarming increase in the number of hospitalizations of children ages 6-12 for eating disorders and eating disorder related health problems from 1999 through 2006. According to the report, these incidents have increased a whopping 119%. With such a huge increase in numbers, it raises many concerns amongst parents and caregivers. Here is a look at some causes for such a drastic increase and how to go about treating eating disorders in children this age.

One of the most commonly found causes for eating disorders is the constant pressure to be thin in today's society. This pressure to be thin or a certain size can be found in even the most innocent of places such as a child's cartoon movie that features a beautiful princess that is very thin or a super hero of a certain size. As children see these images it becomes embedded in their mind that this is what is attractive and when they see they do not quite resemble this image in their mind it can cause them to view themselves in a negative manner. In addition to kids movies, shows and cartoons that put a pressure on children, there are at least a dozen commercials on television that promote a certain diet or weight loss product.

Bullying from other children or criticism from parents or caregivers can also contribute to the development of eating disorders. With the subject of weight gain or weight loss being such a hot topic in today's world, kids even as young as 5 pick up on it and will tease an overweight child. Parents who think they are displaying "tough love" by telling their child they are a little "chubby" or that they need to get in better shape are actually doing more harm than good. These words can severely damage a child's self esteem and cause them to view themselves in a negative way.

There are a number of different treatments available for younger children who suffer from eating disorders. One of the more popular methods of treatment is therapy or counseling with a doctor who specializes in eating disorders in children. These therapy or counseling sessions may involve the parents or they may just involve the child. Medications may be used with the therapy. A child's pediatrician should be notified immediately if an eating disorder is suspected. They can make excellent recommendations to the parents or caregivers.
In addition to therapy and medication, some doctors may recommend that the child be placed in a special treatment facility that deals with children who have eating disorders. This is usually only recommended in more severe cases but again, the child's doctor or a psychologist familiar with the case can recommend a good place where the child can receive the help they need.

Sources Cited: http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/adolescent/adolescentproblems/eatingdisorders.html, http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/pages/Eating-Disorders.aspx