Signs your child has an eating disorder and what you should do

As concerning as any form of eating disorders may be, it is as difficult for people to recognize it, especially when a young child or a teen is struggling with it. Parents may often not suspect anything until it's reached a dangerous stage. Many may even brush it off as a "phase" in a child's life. However, doing so will only harm your child further.

As a parent, you are your child's best ally and only you can help treat their condition, which is why it is important that you're aware of what eating disorder is in the first place. You must also know what the tell-tale signs are and how you can talk to your child about it.

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Eating disorder is not just one condition, rather a range of psychological conditions that can lead to poor eating habits. Initially one may develop an obsession with food, weight and one's body shape, which may cause them to alter their eating behaviour.

There are many types of eating disorders. These include:

Anorexia - People who suffer with anorexia are obsessed with being thin and go to extraordinary length to keep weight gain at bay.

Bulimia - Bulimia is a condition, wherein people tend to binge eat a lot and then take measures to get rid of the calories they just consumed. This could make them very sick.

Binge eating disorder (BED) - This is a disorder in which people binge eat on unhealthy foods frequently, even when they're not hungry.

Eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) - Also called atypical eating disorders, eating disorders not otherwise specified is an eating disorder classification for people who do not fall into the diagnostic criteria for any other eating disorders.

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Depending on the type of eating disorder your child is suffering from, symptoms of eating disorder can vary accordingly. Some of the physical symptoms include:

- Unexplained weight gain or loss

- Fatigue and exhaustion

- Gastrointestinal issues

- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded

- Chills

- Mouth infections

- Bruises and scars on fingers, knuckles, etc.

- Bad-smelling breath

Apart from the physical changes, there may be certain behavioural symptoms to note in young kids dealing with eating disorders. These include:

- Compulsive eating, leading to excessive eating

- Vomiting after eating

- Repeatedly weighing oneself

- A sudden interest in cooking

- Wanting to eat alone, in secret or wearing loose-fitting clothes

Young teens or kids who suffer from eating disorders may also develop psychological symptoms including:

- Obsession over appearance

- Low self-esteem and confidence

- Expressing guilt after eating

- Stress, anxiety and anger

- Panic attacks

- Extreme mood swings

- Self harm and suicidal thoughts

Talking to kids about eating disorders may be more difficult than you think. It is not the same conversation you have with your children about puberty or menstruation.

Eating disorders can impact mental health. Therefore, not choosing your words cautiously can do more harm than any good. Most importantly, listen to them and their problems. If they're in fact suffering from an eating disorder, find out why they developed it in the first place.

Educate yourself about eating disorders so you can carefully break it down for your child, without alarming them. Do not comment on their body at all cost. Rather subtly talk about the dangers of dieting and how it negatively impacts the body.

In worst case scenarios, when you feel you cannot intervene any further, seek professional help. There is no shame in choosing therapy as long as it benefits your child.