They may constantly calculate calories, skip meals, or begin binge and purge eating habits. Boys feel the physical pressure too. Young boys who are well built are typically idolized in the school, while the very thin are teased. Boys may turn to obsessive weight lifting, taking steroids, or other medication they believe will improve their physical strength and appearance. Boys can also suffer from bulimia and anorexia though it is not as common as in girls.
Physical obsessions can be obvious while others can be almost unnoticeable.
As parents we need to stay in tune with our children and watch for the signs of physical obsession. Even better is to begin forming healthy attitudes about food and body type at a young age. This can help to avoid the physical dangers of eating disorders. Parents need to first check their own habits to make sure they are not encouraging physical obsessions. Doing so puts emphasis that how one looks is very important.