It is becoming more of a concern lately that cases of eating disorders are no longer found only among adults and teenagers. Children as young as 5 years old are being affected by eating disorders as well. This can be a bad situation, because anything that affects younger children can have a lasting and permanent effect on them later in life. When you consider that eating disorders can cause irreversible physical damage among adults, then it can be a far worse issue for children.
Let’s Take A Look At Some Of The Harmful Effects Of Eating Disorders On Children:
Physical Effects- there are a wide range of physical effects of eating disorders among children. They can experience irregular heartbeat, loss of muscle mass, teeth damage and loss of bone mass. Children are still in the growing phase, so eating disorders could cause delayed growth or in more serious cases, permanently stunted growth, because of prolonged malnutrition. So, even if an eating disorder is treated and children are able to restore their ideal body weight, it could be too late for them to reach their normal body height. Eating disorders cause weakened immune systems, making children more vulnerable to bacterial and viral infections. Eating disorder could also cause low blood sugar, which leads to restlessness, anxiety and shakiness.
Psychological Effects- as damaging as the physical consequences of eating disorders are, the agony of the psychological effects can be much worse. Children with weight problems could think that losing weight will lead to happiness, self-confidence and self-esteem. The cruel reality of undereating and binge eating could have just the opposite effect. Children need to follow normal eating patterns. If not, they will feel helpless and out of control. They will have increased self-doubt and anxiety, especially if they don’t lose weight as fast as they expect. They could have obsessive thoughts and various preoccupations. They will feel lonely and alienated, thinking that they don’t fit in anywhere.
Social Effects- eating disorders could also affect relationships with friends and family. Children might struggle with frustration, anxiety, worry and self-guilt. They could become withdrawn and emotionally cold. Children could have aggressive or overly passive mannerisms, depending on their situations.
Cognitive Effects- Children who have eating disorders will also have impaired cognitive performance. Extreme irritability and confused thinking will cause them to perform poorly at school. Eating disorders could be originally triggered by bullying due to obesity.
Contact Oxford CBT To Learn More
To learn more about cognitive behavioural therapy, contact Oxford CBT today and speak with the leader in cognitive behavioural therapy and therapy for conditions such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders for children and adults.
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