Definition

Anorexia is an eating disorder marked by very low food intake and/or excess physical activity. It is often driven by fears of weight gain and distorted body image. Anorexia can lead to severe symptoms, such as stunted growth, bone loss, damage to major organs such as the heart, and even death.

Causes

The cause of anorexia in children is not known. It appears that genetics and world around them play a role.

Risk Factors

Anorexia can occur in both girls and boys, but is much more common in girls. Things that increase your child’s risk of anorexia include:

• Family history of eating disorders
• Low self-esteem
• Intense drive for perfection
• Fear of becoming overweight
• Feels pressure to be thin
• Activity in which body image is major issue, such as gymnastics and fashion modeling
• Mood disorders, such as anxiety, or obsessional traits
• History of emotional or sexual child abuse

Symptoms

It may take some time for physical sins to appear. Behaviors that may show up first include:

• Feels they are overweight even if it is not true
• Obsession with food
• Harsh limits on food or food groups even when thin
• Fear of overweight even if they are losing weight
• Excess exercise
• Self-induced vomiting
• Abuse of laxatives
• Denies hunger

Physical symptoms may include:

• Changes in weight, such as slow weight gain or weight loss
• Loss of menstrual periods or delay in the start of periods
• Feeling cold, especially in the hands and feet
• Changes is body temperature
• Hair loss and/or growth of fine hair on the body
• Fainting or severe lightheadedness
• Constipation
• Fatigue and muscle weakness

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Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about child’s symptoms and past health. A physical exam and a psychological test will be done. The diagnosis will be based on information from questions and the exam.

Tests may be done to see what problems may be present. Tests may include:

• Blood tests—to look for changes in electrolytes, vitamins, and other important nutrients
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)—to look for heart changes
• Bone density test—to test the health of bones

Treatment

Management of anorexia will include:

• Making sure the child is getting good nutrition
• Talking about feelings and thoughts linked to anorexia
• Finding and treating any problems caused by poor food intake

The length and intensity of treatment will vary. It may take many years to fully manage anorexia. Treatment should include more than one approach but may include:

Prevention

The cause of anorexia is complex. Not all can be prevented. Family habits can play a positive role in children's self-image. Helpful habits include:

• Compliment inner qualities instead of their outward appearance.
• Send positive messages about eating. Avoid making negative comments about your own body in front of your child.
• Do not diet at home. Instead, focus on eating a healthy diet. Include and talk about whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Try to eat meals as a family.
• Discuss media images of bodies and other harmful messages with your children.