Teen anorexia is a serious disorder. Troubled teens might turn to unhealthy lifestyles as a coping mechanism. Therefore, we must know what to look for.
First of all, anorexia is a common behavior for struggling teens. Anorexia is an eating disorder. It is characterized by abnormal eating habits that are unhealthy. Teen anorexics usually skip meals. They often eat only small portions or starve themselves. Furthermore, some compensate for starvation by taking diet pills, laxatives, or water in place of their meals. In a short time, teen anorexics suffer from malnourishment. They may have inadequate nutrients and vitamins to sustain. Hence, this condition needs to be monitored.
The Causes of Teen Anorexia
There are various causes of teen anorexia. Teen anorexics tend to get insecure and see themselves as overweight. As a result, teens who are anorexic seek out unreasonable body image goals. However, teen anorexia is not to be confused with dieting. Teens that are anorexic will go to extreme lengths to reach the body image they desire. In addition, they risk their health.
In most cases, anorexic teens believe they are benefiting themselves by eating less and getting thinner. They think they will be more appealing. Furthermore, they think they will be better people if they are just thin.
Teen Anorexia Statistics and Information
Teen anorexia statistics are scary. In the US, somewhere between 1 and 2 of every hundred teens struggle with anorexia at some time during their life. For some teens, anorexia is motivated by emotional problems. But, in others, peer pressure or social issues are to blame. In any case, too many teens suffer from anorexia and its unhealthy effects.
Teen Anorexia Statistics in the United States
- 85–90 percent of all Americans with an eating disorder are female. Five percent of adolescent girls suffer from anorexia
- 53 percent of American girls report that they are unhappy with their bodies at age thirteen. 78 percent are unhappy with their bodies at age seventeen
- Many teens admit that they are influenced by popular media
- Teen anorexia affects all social classes
- In teens, anorexia is often triggered by a traumatic event, such as abuse or rape
- Ten percent of teens with anorexia are male
- Anorexia is most common during the teen years
- Around 15 percent of teenage girls have some type of eating disorder or eating disorder related behavior
- More than 5 million Americans suffer from eating disorders each year, according to the NIH
- Around a thousand women die each year from anorexia
- 5 to 20 percent of teens who have anorexia will die for reasons related to the disorder.
What to Do
Teen anorexia statistics prove that left untreated, it can be dangerous. It is even fatal. Consequently, if a teen you know suffers from anorexia, consider referring them to a physician or eating disorder specialist. Get help. You are not alone.
If you are not the parent, make sure that their parent or another adult is aware of their problem and of the anorexia’s dangers. In conclusion, please call us today to find out more about our programs. We are here to help.