Weight loss for normal-weight teenagers can pose a number of serious complications. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, over half of teenage girls and nearly one-third of teenage boys use harmful methods of weight control. Weight loss can also indicate a medical condition, such as a food intolerance or digestive disorder. If you observe weight loss symptoms in your teenager, seek guidance from your doctor.
Loose-Fitting Clothes
As teens lose weight, their clothing begins to fit differently. If your child's weight is unintentional, he may talk to you about his weight change or request smaller-size clothing. Underweight teenagers may avoid wearing certain apparel that either accentuates their weight loss or that no longer fit comfortably, due to their weight loss. Teenagers with eating disorders, such as anorexia, often hide their bodies or weight loss by wearing oversize-clothing. Since people with eating disorders tend to have distorted body image (deem themselves "fat," even when they are normal weight or underweight), they may choose loose-fitting clothing as a means of hiding their bodies, out of shame. If your teenage child exhibits additional symptoms of an eating disorder, such as finding excuses not to eat or exercising excessively, seek guidance from your doctor.
Fatigue (Tiredness)
Teens experiencing weight loss often feel physically and emotionally exhausted. In the cases of digestive disorders, such as Crohn's disease and other digestive conditions, weight loss may stem from malabsorption of nutrients or reduced appetite. According to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Crohn's disease primarily affects people in their teens and 20s, though it can occur at anytime. It, like other inflammatory bowel diseases, causes pain and swelling in the digestive tract, leading to symptoms such as weight loss, malnutrition, bloating, diarrhea (sometimes bloody) and fatigue. As your child loses weight, she may feel continually less energetic. People with eating disorders exhibit fatigue due to extreme dieting techniques and resultant weight loss. When weight loss and fatigue occur simultaneously, illness is likely.
Coldness
Poor circulation and hormonal imbalances can result from weight loss, leading to cold hands and feet. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, cold hands and feet are a common symptom of anorexia. In addition, people who experience drops in body weight often feel colder in general. Body temperature may drop along with body fat, which helps the body stay warm. Underweight teenagers, regardless of the cause, may complain of coldness. They may wear multiple layers of clothing or heavy coats, even in the midst of summer. In extreme cases, coldness results in bluish skin tone, particularly in the fingers and/or lips. When discussing symptoms, such as weight loss and coldness with your doctor, be sure to discuss other symptoms as well, such as behavioral, emotional or dietary changes you've noted in your teen for best results.
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