What is binge-eating disorder?

Binge-eating disorder is an eating disorder in which a person regularly (more than 3 times a week) consumes large amounts of food. People who have binge-eating disorder are often embarrassed by the amount of food they eat, and may hide food for binges. People who have this disorder often try to diet without success or promise to stop eating so much, but they can’t resist the compulsion to keep eating large amounts of food.

What are the health risks of overweight and obesity in teenagers?

The risks of being overweight or obese as an adult are greater if excess weight is gained during childhood or teenage years. Health conditions associated with overweight and obesity include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, sleep apnea and some types of cancer.

What is anorexia?

People who have anorexia are obsessed with being thin. They don't want to eat, and they are afraid of gaining weight. They may constantly worry about how many calories they take in or how much fat is in their food. They may take diet pills, laxatives or water pills to lose weight. They may exercise too much. People who have anorexia usually think they're fat even though they're very thin. They may get so thin that they look like they're sick.

What is bulimia?

Bulimia is eating a lot of food at once (called bingeing), and then throwing up or using laxatives to remove the food from the body (called purging). After a binge, some bulimics fast (don't eat) or overexercise to keep from gaining weight. People who have bulimia may also use water pills, laxatives or diet pills to "control" their weight. People who have bulimia often try to hide their bingeing and purging. They may hide food for binges. People who have bulimia are usually close to normal weight, but their weight may go up and down.

What is emotional eating?

Emotional eating is eating for comfort, out of boredom or in response to other emotions rather than eating for nutrition or because you are hungry. Children, teens and adults can experience emotional eating at one time or another.

How can I approach my child if I am concerned he or she may have an eating problem or disorder?

If your child is suffering from an eating disorder, the sooner you address the problem the better. By intervening early, you can help your child prevent the health risks associated with eating disorders and of being overweight or obese.

Talking with your child about a possible eating disorder or problem will probably be challenging, so be prepared. Most likely, your child will deny that there even is a problem.

Let your child know that the discussion is not optional. Set a time to talk with your child, and open the conversation in a loving and gentle manner, avoiding accusations or judgments. But be persistent in expressing your concerns. Talk in “I” sentences, such as “I am concerned for you.” Avoid “you” statements, such as, “You are sneaking food.”

Often, it helps simply to be compassionate and to let your child know you are there to help and support him or her. Realize your child is facing many changes and social pressures. Your main role initially may be to listen.

What can I do to help my teen learn healthier habits?

If you suspect your child has an eating problem or disorder, talk to your family doctor. Children who have an eating disorder often need family and individual counseling (talking about their feelings, about their weight and other problems in their life). Your doctor may also want you to take your child to see a dietitian to learn how to pick healthy foods and eat at regular times.

It’s also very important to do what you can to ensure your child feels loved and supported by family and friends. Feeling secure and accepted can help form a strong foundation from which your child can begin to learn new, healthier habits.

Below are some specific tips on helping your child establish healthy habits toward food and exercise:

• Provide the best example you can with your own habits for eating healthy and following healthy exercise habits.
• Don’t complain about your own weight or refer to yourself as fat. Let your teen see that you accept your own body.
• Teach your teen about how the media distorts reality by showing thin models and perfect people when, in reality, people come in all shapes and sizes.
• Avoid evaluating and commenting on your teen’s physical appearance.
• Provide ample options for healthy food choices in the home.
• Encourage healthy physical activity.
• Don’t overreact if your teen skips a meal, decides to “go vegetarian” or goes on a diet. It is normal for teens to begin to change their eating habits. Often, these changes pass quickly.
• Build your teen’s self-esteem and self-respect. Compliment your child on his or her efforts, ask for your child’s opinion and encourage your child to cultivate his or her talents and interests.

This content was developed with general underwriting support from The Coca-Cola Company.