Hospitalization rate surges 119% in pre-teens due to eating disorders--study

The stark reality is that the pattern of eating disorders has undergone a dramatic change in the last few decades.

Disorderly eating can occur at anytime in an individual’s life and age and gender has nothing to do with it.

Highlights of the study
A disturbing new study on eating disorders found the problem is rising sharply among men aged 16 to 19 years as well as very young kids.

Anorexia related hospitalizations in pre-teens surged 119 percent between 1999 and 2006.

The report estimated the prevalence of eating disorders to be between 0.8 percent and 14 percent based on classification.

Nearly 5 percent adolescent girls are suffering from anorexia nervosa and 1 to 2 percent are diagnosed with bulimia nervosa.

According to medical experts, athletes and performers are more vulnerable to eating disorders because these activities involve stress on thinness.

A disturbing new study found the problem is rising sharply among men aged 16 to 19 years as well as very young kids. Anorexia related hospitalizations in pre-teens surged 119 percent between 1999 and 2006.

Focus on obesity fuels eating disorders
Medical experts theorize that dieting and weight loss measures adopted by kids and teenagers to arrest the obesity epidemic over the past decade may have fueled eating disorders.

Lead author of the study, Dr David S. Rosen MPH, of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, stated, "When counseling families on preventing obesity, pediatricians should focus on healthy eating and building self-esteem while still addressing weight concerns.

"Care needs to be taken not to inadvertently enable excessive dieting, compulsive exercise, or other potentially unhealthy weight-management strategies."

Some recommendations
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) screening teenagers and children for eating disorder should be incorporated in the annual medical check-ups and evaluations for participation in sport events.

The evaluation should comprise of details regarding weight, height, body mass index, and menstrual status for girls. In addition, the process should include questions pertaining to eating patterns and body image.

According to the AAP, the mild cases can be easily handled in the pediatrician's office simply by providing them mental support, explaining the hazards of unhealthy weight-loss techniques and stressing on the importance of exercise and good nutrition.

However, the more severe disorders require intensive care "ideally delivered by a specialized multidisciplinary team, and sometimes in day-treatment, hospital, or residential settings.”

The study is published in the journal 'Pediatrics.'

Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that involves limiting one’s intake of food, sometimes to the point of starvation.

Persons with this disorder have an intense fear of gaining weight even when they are grossly underweight.

They sometimes eat and then make themselves throw up. They may also use water pills (diuretics) and laxatives to lose weight.

This disorder usually occurs in adolescence and is more common in females. The exact cause of anorexia nervosa are unknown.

Eating disorders can cause several health issues including dehydration, growth retardation, reduced bone mineral density and suicidal tendencies.

Factors like genetics and social attitudes toward body appearance may play a role. Most individuals with anorexia nervosa do not recognize that they have an eating disorder.