Written By: Alexia Barino
Yesterday, I went to a buffet with my friends to celebrate my birthday. The food looked amazing, and I piled my plate high–pasta, fried chicken, sushi, mashed potatoes, everything I could imagine. After finishing, I went back for seconds, grabbing two plates of sweets. But as I sat down, a sense of unease crept in. I felt full, but not the good kind of full. It was heavy and uncomfortable, and guilt started building. Still, I kept eating.
My friends noticed, but no one said anything. Finally, one of them laughed and said, “How do you eat all that and stay skinny? Give us your secrets!” We all joined in the laughter, and the night ended there.
When I got home, I ran to the bathroom, locked the door, and looked at myself in the mirror. The guilt hit me all over again. I couldn’t stop thinking about how much I’d eaten. Without thinking, I started to purge. It didn’t bring relief—it never did. I just wanted to undo the mess I’d made. But even after, the shame remained.
My story is just one of many about toxic relationships with food. Eating disorders are one of the most common mental health struggles many of us face today. Eating disorders do not discriminate. They affect people of all ages, racial/ethnic background, and genders. On average, 9.3 million teens are going through the harsh reality of eating disorders alone (Brightpath).
Seeking help is the first step toward breaking the cycle. Recovery is possible, and it’s never too late to start healing. There is hope.
What is an eating disorder?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), eating disorders are defined as “serious and often fatal illnesses that are associated with severe disturbances in people’s eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions”. However, this is a very broad definition that is often confusing for many of us to understand. To break it down, there are several different types of eating disorders.
The most common eating disorders are:
- Anorexia Nervosa – An eating disorder where the individual will severely restrict themselves of the needed amount of food a day, or eat a very low amount of a specific food. Teens suffering anorexia nervosa disorder are typically underweight. There are two sub categories:
- Restrictive – Where an individual restricts the type and amount of food consumed.
- Binge-purge – Where an individual restricts the type and amount of food consumed, and follows it up with a purging session.
- Bulimia Nervosa – An eating disorder where an individual eats unusually large amounts of food, and follows up the binging episode with acts of vomiting or taking laxatives. Teens suffering from bulimia nervosa are either underweight, overweight, or have a fluctuating weight.
- Binge Eating Disorder – An eating disorder where an individual eats unusually large amounts of food, without following up with a purging episode. Teens suffering through this disorder are typically overweight or obese.
What are the causes of eating disorders? Why teens?
Eating disorders often come from deeper struggles like anxiety, depression, trauma, or other emotional difficulties. These struggles can be made worse by things like bullying or unfair treatment in your environment. On top of that, societal pressures—whether it’s about sexuality, fitting in, or meeting unrealistic beauty standards—can really add to the pressure. If you’re dealing with an eating disorder, you might also be facing something called Body Dysmorphia, where you see yourself as flawed, unattractive, or overweight—even if that’s not how others see you. The need to control your appearance or body can feel overwhelming, and sometimes disordered eating becomes a way to cope with those intense feelings.
The Hidden Struggles:
Eating disorders have drastic unforeseen consequences not often talked about. These can detrimentally impact your physical and mental health. The National Institute of Health has listed some of these effects below:
- Physical Damage: Extreme weight loss, malnutrition, and damage to organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficient intake of essential vitamins and minerals leading to issues like weakened bones, anemia, and muscle loss.
- Cardiac Issues: Slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and in severe cases, heart failure.
- Gastrointestinal Problems: Severe constipation, bloating, and digestive complications from purging behaviors.
- Mental Health Struggles: Increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation.
These consequences can be life-threatening and may require long-term medical care. It’s important to seek treatment early, as recovery is possible with the right support.
Statistics
The following statistics were given by the Brightpath Behavioral Health organization.
- Each year, about 2.7% of American teens (aged 13-18) experience an eating disorder.
- In the U.S., female teens have a higher prevalence of eating disorders (3.8%) than males (1.5%).
- Teens aged 17-18 in America have the highest lifetime prevalence of eating disorders at 3%.
- In the U.S., health visits for eating disorders in teenagers increased by 107.4% from 2018 to 2022.
- In 2021, LGBTQ+ youth with an eating disorder were 4 times more likely to have attempted suicide than those without a disorder.
- In 2020, about 54% of LGBTQ+ American adolescents in a survey had been formally diagnosed with an eating disorder.
Taking Control over your Relationship
Recovering from an eating disorder is a journey that requires healthy coping skills to navigate through tough moments. It helps you manage different emotions, stress, and triggers related to unhealthy behaviors. Developing coping mechanisms especially help during the tough times in your journey. They serve as “distractions” for your negative behaviors. As you inevitably navigate through the ups and downs of life, you will find that coping mechanisms allow you to defeat your distorted relationship with food and help you build resilience.
At times, following through with coping mechanisms may seem daunting. Having a variety of coping mechanisms used allows you to choose which one works best in the moment. According to the Eating Disorder Foundation, here’s some coping mechanisms that can help you manage your relationship and emotions while staying on track with recovery:
- Keep a journal: Write down your feelings each day to help process emotions and identify patterns.
- Build a support system: Reach out to safe people you trust for emotional support during tough times.
- Practice positive affirmations: Replace negative self-talk with kind, encouraging words about yourself and your body.
- Relaxation activities: Take a bubble bath, watch a movie with friends, or engage in a calming hobby to reduce stress.
- Plan enjoyable activities: Volunteer, engage in hobbies, or spend quality time with friends or family to focus on things you love
Healing Begins Here!
Many resources are available to help teens begin their path to treatment. These include helplines and programs, all tailored to individuals suffering these disorders. Teens in particular are encouraged to join these programs. Here are ways you can seek advice for improving your relationship:
- ANAD Helpline: 1 (888) 375-7767
Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm CT
- National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline: 1 (866) 662-1235
Monday-Friday, 9am-7pm ET
- Diabulimia Helpline: 1 (425) 985-3635
- NEDA: 866-662-1235
Additionally, the University of Chicago provides treatment options for those struggling with a variety of eating disorders. The program provides specialized treatment for teens using family-based therapy (FBT), which focuses on weight restoration and symptom reduction, then gradually shifts control back to the teen as they develop healthy eating habits and a positive relationship with food. We encourage everyone to seek help early and reach out to professionals who specialize in eating disorder recovery. With the right support, healing is possible. Visit the website at https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/conditions-services/psychiatry-and-psychology/eating-disorders program
Moving Forward
It’s time to take the first step toward a healthier relationship with food. The journey to healing might not always be easy, but it is possible, and you don’t have to face it alone. Remember, no matter where you are right now, you have the power to make a change. By seeking support and practicing coping skills, you can regain control over your life and break free from the cycle of disordered eating. Recovery is not about perfection—it’s about progress, and every small step forward is a victory.
If you’re struggling, reach out for help. There are professionals, support groups, and helplines ready to guide you through every stage of your recovery. Your life is worth more than any number on a scale. You deserve to feel empowered, strong, and at peace with yourself. Acknowledge your problems today; that first step is needed. We wish you well on your journey. Good luck.
Works Cited:
Brightpath. (2024, October 28). Teen Eating Disorder Statistics 2024. Bright Path Adolescent Mental Health.
https://www.brightpathbh.com/teen-eating-disorder-statistics/#:~:text=Teen%20eating%20di sorders%20are%20a,who%20belong%20to%20ethnic%20minorities
The Eating Disorder Foundation. (n.d.). About eating disorders. The Eating Disorder Foundation. https://www.eatingdisorderfoundation.org/learn-more/about-eating-disorders/coping/
NIH. (n.d.). Eating disorders. National Institute of Mental Health.
UChicago Medicine. (n.d.). Eating disorders program. UChicago Medicine.
https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/conditions-services/psychiatry-and-psychology/eating-dis orders-program
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