Teenagers And The Dangers Of Eating Disorders

The majority of patients affected by eating disorders are teenagers. Psychologically, teenagers are often unhappy with themselves. Eating disorders are the result of this teenage depression and lack of self esteem. Among teenage girls eating disorders arise from a mistaken notion that they are more attractive to boys if they are thin. Parents of teenagers must deal firmly yet kindly towards children in their adolescence with regard to their diet. Parents should encourage teenagers to diet but the diet should be monitored so that it consists of healthy food. Teenagers should be taught that being thin is not necessarily beautiful and is definitely not healthy. Being strict with a teenager or punishing the teenager for eating disorders will only result in rebellion and the aggravation of the disorder. If the adolescent has already developed an eating disorder, medical help and therapy should be sought immediately before it is too late.