If you are one of these parents then here is a list of things to look out for, I will start with simple things first:
1: Look for an excessive amount of food that is missing. Things like packets of biscuits you have just bought and they have disappeared overnight. Packets of sweets are gone without you even having one yourself. Look for easy accessible foods that seem to be gone faster than what is normal for your family use.
2: The child is starting to act unusual around meal times. Being a bit anxious and not wanting to eat certain food groups, or may play with their food. They may say they have eaten at a friends place but then start to raid the food cupboard for easy food soon after dinner.
3: You notice that the child may have lots of food rappers in their bedroom hidden under the bed or in their trash basket. Half eaten candy bars or potato crisp packets hidden in places that are unusual.
4: The child may start to miss family gatherings or not want to go out to events where they normally would have, like picnics or parties preferring to stay home. Even making excuses they feel ill or have a headache.
5: The child may start to do more exercise that they use to do. Go for long runs or bike rides and start to really push themselves to the extreme.
These are all little things but point to a change in the child's habits although you can't come to the conclusion that your child has bulimia from these alone. You need more concrete evidence to go with these before you can be sure.
Bulimics normally become very good at hiding their condition from family and friends. Bulimia has been described as secretive and sneaky and it most certainly is.
So you as a parent have to become just as sneaky if you suspect your child of this disorder.
Here are some more concrete things to look out for.
1: The child after finishing their meal disappears to the bathroom for a long time. This starts to become a habit and is a surefire clue to the child being bulimic.
2: You notice the smell of toothpaste on their breath when they come from the bathroom, or a sour smell on their breath.
3: You start to find laxatives in their bedroom or empty packets in their trash bin.
4: They start to become really edgy and anxious for no apparent reason and may start telling you to mind your own business if you say anything to them. They act out of character towards you.
5: They start to look sickly and feel the cold more that was normal for them. They may start having problems with their teeth or complain of a sore throat all the time.
6: They start to become obsessed with there weight and are looking at the bathroom scales all the time, or asking you if they look fat or looking in the mirror more that they use to do.
If you noticed a number of these symptoms together then there is a good chance your child may have Bulimia. But do not simply confront them as this can drive the child away or warn them you are on to them, so they may become even sneakier.
You should educate yourself first from people who have faced what you are facing now. There are some books which can help and also many places to contact.
To conclude, your education about eating disorders is the key to your child healthy future.
Please let your parents know how you feel. They love you and want what is best for you. They want you to be happy. They may not have any idea how your weight is affecting your life. I'm sure if you are open and honest with them, they will want to help you.
DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT put yourself on a diet. A restrictive diet is not the answer, because even if you lose a lot of weight, you will probably gain it back, plus some, when the diet is over. If you want to lose weight to have more confidence, attract a boyfriend/girlfriend, get the other kids to stop teasing and bullying you, etc., you must change your lifestyle. That may mean doing some things you don't do today.
Good nutrition is the first key to healthy weight loss. If you don't like vegetables, eat them anyway. As you become used to them, you will learn to like most of them (I promise!). Fruits and vegetables not only contain vitamins and minerals to make you look and feel better, but they contain fiber, which will make you feel fuller. Just take a few bites of everything, and go easy on the white bread and anything made with sugar. I know you love pizza, but it is high in calories, so order it with thin crust, veggies, and NO extra cheese. Limit your pizza to once or twice a week, and eat a salad first.
Skip the sodas and drink water or low-fat milk instead. You really need the calcium in milk and dairy products, so try for 3 servings a day of low-fat milk, cottage cheese, cheese or yogurt. Just ONE regular size soda a day can make you gain 10 pounds in a year. I don't even want to think about how many pounds the extra-large sodas might cause you to gain!
Skip the French fries, and have a salad instead. French fries really shouldn't count as a vegetable since they are almost all starch. Have a baked potato instead, and go easy on the butter and sour cream.
Turn off the TV and computer, and go to bed earlier! Studies have proven that there is a direct connection between childhood obesity and not getting enough sleep. As a preteen or teenager, you need 9 or more hours of sleep each night.
Do something each day for exercise. Get a pedometer so that you can record the number of steps you take each day, and try to reach 10,000 a day. Offer to run errands for your parents, run the vacuum, walk the dog, or whatever chores will involve movement. Ride your bike, work out to an exercise video, or join the YMCA or Boys' & Girls' club so you can swim, shoot hoops, or work out on the exercise equipment.
Ask your mom or dad for a few minutes of their time to have a private talk with you, and then share your feelings and goals concerning your weight. Ask for their help. If they are overweight also, ask if the whole family can lose weight and get healthier together. Your talk may be all they need to get started. Do it today!!
For age-appropriate weight loss programs and other items for overweight children and adults, including 28-day menu plans featuring 3 meals and 2 snacks a day with low-fat and low-sugar foods, see my Web site at I also offer books, pedometers, exercise videos, and jumping ropes to help you get in shape in a healthy way!
Both Irina Webster & Bev Grey are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Irina Webster has sinced written about articles on various topics from Weight Loss Pills, Wellness and Mental Health. Dr Irina Webster MD is the Director of Women Health Issues Program which covers different areas of Women Health. She is a recognised athority in the eating disorders area. She is an author of many books and a public speaker.. Irina Webster's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.
Bev Grey has sinced written about articles on various topics from Lose Weight, Teenagers. Bev Grey is founder and president of Grandma's Healthy Kids Club, a website that offers age-appropriate weight loss programs and other items for children and adults. She is also author of "The Project", a fictional story for children or adults who w. Bev Grey's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.