Some people think that Christian teens are immune from body image issues or anxiety, so they cannot possibly suffer from eating disorders. The media today promotes models that are ten, twenty, sometimes thirty pounds underweight. Teens are highly conscious as to how they compare to one another, and appearance and “fitting in” is a part of a teenager’s life – Christian or not. Here are some things you should know about eating disorders:
What are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders have specific diagnostic criteria. Anorexics and bulimics refuse or cannot achieve a body weight of 85% of the “normal” weight and height for their age. Teens that have an eating disorder are often severely afraid of gaining weight and have a distorted body image – even if they are severely underweight. Teenage girls often experience amenorrhea, which is the absence of the menstrual period for at least three months.
What is the Difference Between Anorexia and Bulimia?
The technical name for anorexia is anorexia nervosa. Anorexia is mainly associated with the restriction of food, meaning they lose weight by not eating or severely restricting calories. Some anorexics can purge, but they do not binge.
The technical name for bulimia is bulimia nervosa. Bulimics will binge eat and then purge their food. The purging comes via self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, enemas, or even excessive exercise.
How Do I Recognize an Eating Disorder?
The earlier you notice that a teen is having issues with food, the earlier you recognize the symptoms, the earlier that person can get treatment. There are some common symptoms of which every parent, leader, or friend should be aware. Teens with eating disorders often:
- Have an obsession with weight.
- Have a distorted body image
- Weigh themselves several times a day
- Eat very little
- Will not eat around others
- Are very picky about what they eat
- Deny that there are food issues
Taking can help you identify potential anorexia or bulimia early.
Where Do Eating Disorders Come From?
Eating disorders come from a variety of places. There is usually no “one” cause of an eating disorder. Influences can include the media, which often promotes extremely thin models and entertainers as being powerful and popular. Peers play a role in eating disorders, as some teens want to look as “thin” or “pretty” as their friends. Fashion plays a role as the new trend toward fitting into a “double zero” has hit the magazines. Even adults can inadvertently contribute to a disorder by commenting on how the teen needs to lose a few pounds whether for health, looks, sports, etc.
Still, eating disorders do not occur in everyone who wants to lose weight. Many teens with eating disorders have other emotional issues that “push them over the edge.” Often teens with eating disorders feel out of control, and they feel the only thing they have control over is their weight.
What Can an Eating Disorder Do to a Teenager?
Eating disorders truly wreak havoc on the body. Anorexia and bulimia can cause heart and kidney failure as well as liver damage. Blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rate fall. Anorexics often have a lack of energy, feel light-headed, and have difficulty concentrating. Anemia can set in and the joints can swell.
Also, eating disorders can cause a person’s hair to fall out while soft hair, or “fur,” grows over the skin to insulate the body. Stomach acids are extremely acidic, so frequent vomiting damages the stomach and esophagus while decaying the teeth. The salivary glands swell from so much vomiting, creating a “chipmunk cheek” effect. Menstrual periods can stop.
Besides physical effects, there is also a great emotional impact of eating disorders. Guilt and depression set in. Teens become more and more anxious about food. They often feel alone and left out, because they cannot share in the fun with others. They are sidetracked by planning their next binge, exercise routine, counting calories, or planning ways to avoid eating.
What Does the Bible Say?
The Bible does not come out and directly confront eating disorders. However, the Word does emphasize that our bodies are the Temple of God, and we are to care for them as such. Anorexia and bulimia are dangerous disorders that can severely harm our bodies.
Besides the damage to the body, the Bible also tells Christians to be more concerned with what is going on inside ourselves rather than on how we look. Appearance is not the most important factor in faith. While the Bible calls Christians to be in the world, not of the world, the pressures to be thin surround all of us.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (NIV)
1 Samuel 16:7 – “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (NIV)
Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (NIV)
Are there Christian Treatments for Eating Disorders?
Absolutely. Eating disorders can be overcome with proper treatment that includes counseling and medical care. There are several Christian eating disorder treatment centers throughout the U.S. and internationally. These centers work with eating disorder teens offering prayer, counseling, medical care, nutrition education, and more. The trained staff works with each patient to help them get a better body image, reduce anxiety surrounding food, and learn to eat healthy again. No treatment is instant, and much prayer and love is needed to support a teen recovering from an eating disorder.
