Symptoms And Symptoms Of Eating Disorders

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counterparts are. Looking at the statistics of eating disorders, Smolak states, “By age 6, girls especially start to express concerns about their own weight or shape. 40-60% of elementary school girls (ages 6-12) are concerned about their weight or about becoming too fat. This concern endures through life” (2011). Many eating disorders originate from a want to look like celebrities and models on TV and magazines. Martin reports in “Nutrition Today,” “Of American elementary school girls who read magazines, 69% say that the pictures influence their concept of the ideal body shape. 47% say the pictures make them want to lose weight” (2010). These statistics show it is important to recognize who is at risk along with the signs and symptoms of eating disorders to establish an early intervention program.
In fact, physicians and mental health personnel are beginning to understand that depression and anxiety disorders may be indicators of those at risk to developing an eating disorder. It is possible that eating disorders along with depression and anxiety go together as all can be linked due to the same negative feelings and low self-esteem. Many clinicians believe doing thorough research on the risk factors for eating disorders, focusing on studies done prior to the onset of the disorder will assist in intervention efforts (Striegel-Moore, Bulik, 2007). S. Bryn Austin, ScD, Najat J. Ziyadeh, MPH, Sara Forman, MD, Lisa A. Prokop, BA, Anne Keliher, MMHS and Douglas Jacobs, MD state, “In June 2007, the US Senate directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to intensify efforts to investigate the problem of eating disorders and their health implications for the US population” (2008). Doing a screening for eating disorders in high...

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...t eating disorders affect a student’s academic achievements, school systems must take a major step toward early diagnosis and intervention. Early recognition of the disorder would aid in identifying the adolescents who are at most risk for eating disorders. Early identification and treatment of eating disorder behaviors may prevent progression of the disease or even death.
Conclusion
Eating disorders are illnesses that are widely prevalent in American schools. They are categorized as mental disorders that affect mainly adolescents. Schools must be aware of the many ramifications of eating disorders and how they affect the physical health, emotional stability, and academic achievement of these students. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of eating disorders, teachers and administrators become the first line of defense in aiding students to overcome this disease.

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