According to Gwen Brehm, senior counselor in the Behavioral HealthCare Resources Clinic, it s natural for girls to want to be happy and popular. They often believe, however, that to make this happen they must be in control of achieving their goals and must be thin. Therefore, happiness becomes based on size, weight or body image, Brehm explained. If a girl sees herself as fat, she may also perceive herself to be out of control, worthless or a failure. Society puts a great deal of emphasis on achievement and thinness, Brehm said.
Teenagers desire personal control of their lives and their futures.
Eating disorders tend to appear in girls between the ages of 12 to 25 but are not limited by age or sex. Frequently boys and men will develop anorexia or bulimia. Typical signs of an eating disorder may include hoarding food, eating alone, rigid dieting for rapid weight loss, binges of food followed by strict fasting, laxative abuse or self-induced vomiting. Psychological symptoms can include a distorted body image, perfectionism, possible suicidal thoughts, depression, guilt and self-loathing. If you have a family member or friend who seems to suffer from an eating disorder, don t wait to help them.