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Warning signs are not always obvious. Like a relationship that looks healthy on the outside, the truth can be hidden behind closed doors.
Signs to Watch For:
- Evidence of dieting or possibly beneficial weight loss that eventually becomes excessive
- Intense exercise routines or strict adherence to exercise schedules
- New interest in vegetarianism or increasingly selective and inflexible eating habits
- Frequent visits to the bathroom during or immediately after meals
- Taking multiple showers daily, particularly after eating
- Skipping meals, eating alone, or hiding away to eat in private
- Unusual increase in reported “stomach flu” symptoms
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles in girls
- A growing interest in websites related to anorexia, bulimia, or weight loss
Advice for Parents
Why Body Image is Important. Negative views about body shape or size can lead to damaging behaviors and detrimental effects on mental health. A healthy body image allows us to care for ourselves effectively and focus on more constructive activities in our everyday lives.
Show Your Child Love by Loving Yourself. When was the last time you dressed up to look nice and confidently said (loudly enough for your children to hear), “I look great!”? Our ability to genuinely accept ourselves and cope with imperfection helps us to resist the shame that often underlies disordered eating.
Prioritize Active Family Outings. Limit sedentary leisure time, such as watching TV or playing video games, to 1-2 hours daily, and emphasize active family activities like walking the dog or playing games in the park.
Teach the “Hunger Scale.” On a scale where “0” means so starving you could eat anything and “10” signifies being uncomfortably full, encourage eating in the range of “3” (comfortably hungry) to “7” (comfortably full).
Facilitate Healthy Snacking and Encourage Nutritious Choices. Keep cut vegetables at eye level in the fridge, a bowl of fruit on the kitchen table, etc. Avoid using food as a reward.
Promote Moderation with Treats. Allow reasonable amounts of “junk food” in the home. When sweets are seen as “forbidden,” it becomes more difficult to enjoy them in moderation elsewhere.
Avoid Joking About Body Size. Never make jokes about a child’s body size or anyone else’s. Even well-intentioned comments can be misinterpreted, and hearing adults discuss someone else’s body may lead a child to worry they have the same issue.
Focus Praise on Character Strengths Instead of Body Image. Encourage positive comments that celebrate qualities of character rather than physical appearance. Do not accept negative body talk about anyone.
Teach Media Literacy. Help children understand how the media often employs unrealistically thin models to market products. Make them aware that most images seen in magazines and movies have been altered to eliminate natural imperfections.
What to Do If You’re Concerned About a Loved One?
First, Educate Yourself. Use available resources to understand the differences between healthy eating and going too far, as well as distinguishing between occasional overeating and binge eating disorder.
Then, Identify Support Resources. Before speaking to your loved one, have a plan for support for both yourself and them.
Finally, Approach the Subject With Care. In a gentle, non-confrontational way, choose a private moment to express your concerns and offer your support, suggesting ways you might help if they’re open to it. Help them find professional support to evaluate their situation and suggest appropriate next steps.
