Eating Disorders Eating disorders can take a devastating toll on teens, and can even be deadly, particularly among girls.Some of the causes of eating disorders are:Social pressure from a popular culture that emphasizes unrealistic thinness, with such pressure being presented on social media, TV, movies, popular web sites, etc. Social pressure to diet and be thin.Families who overemphasize slender bodies and mock any minor sign of excess weight.Some athletic, ballet or competitive programs may also over emphasize thinness.Personal factors, such as genetics or biological factors might make some teens more vulnerable to developing eating disorders.Personality inclinations, such as rigidity, anxiety or perfectionism may contribute to eating disorders and/or anorexia.Some signs of eating disorders may include, skipping meals, excessive pre-occupation with food, constant complaining about being ‘fat’, constant joking and attention centered around ones food and weight, use of laxatives, expressing disgust at one’s own eating habits. Eating disorders and Anorexia are extremely serious conditions that teenagers and particularly girls face. Such conditions must not be taken lightly, for if ignored and left untreated, such conditions can be deadly. Make sure that you, as parents, are not contributing to the problem but are actively encouraging healthy dietary habits, realistic body images and ensuring your child has access to counseling and clinics if neededNo need to worry, eating disorders are normal and just a phase that many girls go through.Eating disorders and/or Anorexia cannot be treated.With enough will power, the teen can simply overcome her obsession with weight and thinness.Punishment can get the teen over her/his eating disorder problem. Encourage healthy-eating habits.Talk to your teen about his/her eating habits and self image.Stay emotionally connected with your teen in a supportive and loving way.Promote a healthy body image.Talk to your teen about his or her self-image and offer reassurance that healthy body shapes vary. Do not allow any hurtful nicknames or jokes to be made in the house.Discuss the importance of pressure from the media. Television programs, movies, magazines and social medial websites that convey the expectations of unrealistic body imagery can result in unhealthy eating habits.Help your child with self-esteem by respecting his/her accomplishments that are not related to body weight. Model to your teen your unconditional love, and show them that your love does not depend on their weight, thinness or appearance.et an example with the way you treat your own body and the way you eat.Seek professional help. It is OK to start consulting with a mental health professional that is an expert on eating disorders. Give up on helping your teen with her/his eating disorders.Yell at and punish your teen. This will only make things worse.Shame your teen.Try to talk the teen out of their obsession with weight and thinness.Mock their behavior or use jokes or nicknames regarding their weight.Offer food as a bribe.Take away food as a punishment.Constantly nagging about rigid dieting and discussing issues of food and weight.Excessively flaunting your thin body.