Eating Disorders Interventions on Adolescents

Eating Disorders Interventions on Adolescents

Eating Disorders Interventions

Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorders are common in adolescents. Many risk factors can trigger eating disorders in adolescents, such as low self-esteem, trouble expressing emotions like anger and anxiety, being bullied or teased, significant family changes causing stress, peer pressure to behave a certain way, and medial advertising pressure showing images of the “ideal” unrealistic body size and shape (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2017). Recognizing the factors associated with adolescents developing eating disorders is the first step of intervention. Fostering a healthy relationship with food from an early age, such as avoiding food as a reward and not labeling “good” and “bad” foods, can prevent future eating disorders because the child does not feel guilty about eating (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2017). Promote self-esteem and body image by not criticizing or teasing them about their body or appearance and encouraging them to accept different body shapes and sizes, including theirs. Teaching healthy and effective coping strategies such as communicating their feelings and emotions can help prevent anxiety and depression, leading to eating disorder