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Information on Eating Disorders
But at what point does food become a problem rather than a solution? How much is “too much” to eat for dinner? What kind of dangers await the teenager who skips lunch every day?
Well, the answer really varies from child to child. But, there are ways you can tell if your teenager has an eating disorder . . .whether it be compulsive overeating, anorexia or bulimia.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are seven major warning signs to look out for. They are (in no particular order):
1. You often eat what others would consider to be abnormally large amounts of food.
2. You are unable to control what or how much you eat.
3. You eat more rapidly than usual.
4. You eat until you’re uncomfortably full.
5. You eat even when you’re not hungry.
6. You eat alone because you don’t want anyone else to know how much you consume.
7. You feel guilty, depressed or disgusted after you’ve eaten too much – or even if you have eaten practically nothing at all.
Just because your teenager isn’t starving herself doesn’t mean she doesn’t have an eating disorder. The same goes for guys, too – boys can be just as concerned about their appearance as girls are.
In 1 Corinthians 6:9, the Apostle Paul asks, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”
If you suspect that one of your children might have an eating disorder, take the “HomeWord Family Eating Habits” Checkup.
•Do you eat healthy?
•Do you keep your bodies in shape?
•Does anyone in your family display any of the major signs of an eating disorder listed above?
•Is 1 Corinthians 6:9 known and understood by each member of your family?
Depending on how you answered those questions, you may need to seek help. If so, do it – don’t wait!
(Excerpted the workbook, The Word on Helping Friends in Crisis by Jim Burns, Ph.D. If you or someone in your family needs help dealing with an eating disorder, click here to link to the website for New Life Treatment Centers.)
© Copyright HomeWord 2002.
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