Can Trigger Eating Disorders Parents shouldn't make big deal out of food and eating The way the brain develops during childhood can make certain people susceptible to eating disorders later in life, according to an article from KING5-TV in Seattle. Young women are generally most susceptible to eating disorders. But very young girls and some boys are also now seeking help for the problem, the article says.
Some experts say the key is continued education about the problem.
They say catching the problem in its early stages increases the chances of recovery. They add that the emphasis on extremely thin models in fashion advertising puts pressure on women to be too thin. Boys, likewise, can develop distorted ideas about what a healthy body should look like by watching television and movies. In addition, childhood events can trigger changes that make children more likely to develop anorexia or bulimia, both of which can be fatal, the article says. Parents should be careful about putting an overemphasis on food and weight when children are young because this can contribute to problems later, experts say.