Eating Disorders 101
Teachers May Be The First To Notice An Eating Disorder
Each year, teachers see symptoms relating to eating disorders but may not be sure what to do about it. Here are the basics.
What is an Eating Disorder?
Eating disorders are serious, emotional issues and not about food. While girls are most likely to have an eating disorder, boys may also need treatment. It is difficult to find professional counseling with someone that is an expert in this disorder. And, it is often necessary to seek help in a clinical or hospital setting. An eating disorder should not be taken lightly any more than a threat of suicide be ignored. Many in the counseling profession feel that an advanced eating disorder is as serious as a suicide threat. Some even believe that an eating disorder is more life-threatening than a suicide threat.
Visible Signs
To a parent or teacher, very few signs are visible outwardly. The following are red flags that could be noticed if an adult is alert:
- constipation
- dry and yellow skin
- stunted growth in middle school
- ulcer like complaints
- poor condition of teeth and gums
- complaints of heart beating strangely
- anemia/very tired
- complaints of being cold
- delayed thinking process
More serious stages with medical interventions will produce the following signs:
- irregular blood pressure
- decreased hormones (testosterone or estrogen in youth)
- heart attack or stroke
- hemorrhoids
- anemia diagnosis
- bone density loss
- loss of menstrual cycle
- imbalance of electrolytes
- poor liver functioning
- elevated cholesterol
Anorexia
When an eating disorder is mentioned, what comes to mind most often is anorexia. The image of someone with anorexia is a person starving to death. However, an anorexic can look into a mirror, see ribs showing and declare they are fat.
A typical behavior of an anorexic is playing with food on the plate. They go through the motions of eating but if you watch closely, they cut their food, push it around the plate, cut it again, reorganize the food, place a tiny piece in their mouth, chew at length, push food around repeatedly.
Warning Signs for Teens
- a loss of three or more periods
- very low weight
- using weight as a judge of who you are
- denying a doctor's concern of low weight
- believing you are fat when your weight is below normal
- constant fear of becoming fat
Warning Signs for Adults
What should adults be looking for in teens they suspect having anorexia?
- loss of hair, thinning hair
- depression symptoms
- constant exercising
- obsession with how many calories are in the food on their plate
- frequently stating they are fat when they are obviously very thin
- always dieting while maintaining low weight
- being on the scale several times a day
- dizziness
- rapid weight loss
- poor memory
- claiming to not be hungry when it is time for a meal
While it is common for middle school and high school girls to eat little for lunch, teachers can monitor if students play with their food or dump all of the meal without eating any every day. With a school nurse and counselor shortage, teachers are having to take on bigger roles. A phone call to parents asking if the student in question eats breakfast and supper would alert parents. Parents could be assuming that the same child isn't hungry at supper because they ate a generous school lunch and breakfast. A good technique when contacting parents is to ask, "Have you noticed Mary losing weight? Has she been ill?" Or, "Mary has been skipping meals at school for months now. Have you noticed this at home?" No one has the right to make a diagnosis except for a doctor. Asking questions is a better way to handle this delicate situation.
Communication between home and school is always good. However, in the case of eating disorders, it could save a life.
Visit other student health issues
Related articles: Student Truancy, Suicides Are Up, Cutting
Read previous articles on Educational Issues.
Copyright article 2007 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.
