1. Remove Bad Influences From Your Teenager's Life
Monitor website usage. Many teenagers turn to online resources for tips and advice on losing weight and hiding weight loss. Some sites actually promote anorexia, and teenagers may even share photos with one another. If you suspect your teenager is viewing any of these sites, it's essential to take away her access immediately.
2. Look for an Extreme Physical Transformation
Watch out for rapid weight loss. If your teenager loses 25 percent of his body weight, it may be a sign of dangerous dieting habits. Many elite athletes are prone to eating disorders. Ballerinas, gymnasts and wrestlers often find themselves in a high-risk category for developing eating disorders. Working out several times a day is a major symptom of anorexia and the obsessive need to control one's weight.
3. Open the Lines of Communication
Engage your teenager in conversation about weight and body image. If she expresses an abnormal obsession with losing weight or she complains about feeling fat when she's underweight, she may need to speak with a counselor. Find out if your daughter is missing her period on a regular basis. If your daughter misses three or more periods, a condition called amenorrhea, it's a red flag that indicates an advanced eating disorder.
4. Dangerous Symptoms to Watch Out For
Watch out for dangerous physical signs of vital nutrient depletion. Complaining about being cold is a sign of poor circulation and improper nutrition. Limp hair and poor skin tone should not be ignored. If your teenager becomes irritable, has trouble sleeping, bruises easily or has trouble concentrating, she may be exhibiting signs of anorexia. It's a good idea to have her checked out by your family doctor immediately.
