Anorexia in Teens

QUESTION: With all the recent publicity about the serious consequences of
anorexia in teen ages, I take my responsibilities in a high school health
program very seriously. Can you give me any idea of how common this type of
behavior is, so that my suspicions won't become exaggerated?
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ANSWER: It is common enough for you to stay on guard, according to at least
one study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association a year
or two back. The activity of abnormal purging behavior was reported in 13% of
1,700 tenth grade high school students. Purging takes three forms; vomiting
which is the most frequently reported, the use of laxatives, and the use of
water pills or diuretics. It is more frequent in girls, who outnumber the
boys by a 2 to 1 margin. This type of behavior was found in teenagers who
were preoccupied with their weight. They were "calorie counters" who dieted
frequently and suffered from pangs of guilt whenever they felt they had over
eaten. Because of peer pressure as well as the styles of society, many youths
maintain normal weight levels in unhealthy ways, and are at risk of becoming
true anorexics if not properly counseled and advised. These adolescents are
at a crucial point in their lives when they must establish rational goals
based upon knowledge obtained from their education. A program which teaches
the basics of nutrition and establishes guidelines for appropriate levels of
weight, encourages exercise, and provides the information necessary to
distinguish between healthy and harmful reducing methods can be an effective
method in overcoming the development of eating disorders. Your participation
and concern for your students may be just the influence that may avoid a
disaster from occurring either now or later in life.