Original research by Radhika Rastogi, BA and Ellen S. Rom, MD, MPH; Abstract by Ifunanya Onyima, MS, RD
Disordered eating is common amongst the adolescent population, due in-part to aggressive body-conscious advertising, glamorized weight-loss techniques and peer pressure. This article outlines prevalence, causes, signs/symptoms and treatment plans for adolescent-aged children who are or have been overweight/obese and exhibit disordered eating patterns. The article cites 39 scientific research studies to support its findings.
“Unfortunately, there are very few studies that examine treatment strategies for adolescents who have an eating disorder and are overweight or have a history of being overweight, making it difficult to use an evidence-based approach for treating this population”
One study found increased rates of disordered eating during adolescent age compared to any other age group. Furthermore, those who fall in the overweight/obese weight categories are at an increased risk for developing an eating disorder. Diagnosing disordered eating is more difficult for those who have an elevated BMI because they do not show more classic eating disorder phenotype. However, multi-organ effects of malnutrition related to disordered eating are the same for people within all weight categories – constipation, GERD, menstrual irregularity, anemia, bone loss, hair thinning and bradycardia are common side-effects of disordered eating. One study found that markers for recovery (e.g. re-initiation on menses) occurs at a higher weight for those who are/were overweight compared to those who are not.
Unfortunately, there are very few studies that examine treatment strategies for adolescents who have an eating disorder and are overweight or have a history of being overweight, making it difficult to use an evidence-based approach for treating this population. Until there is more research on this topic, healthy weight-management strategies are encouraged for this population (encouraging consumption of high-nutrient food items, creating an individualized treatment plan that addresses the patient’s education, economic and health status, etc).
I like this article because it highlights the fact that this population of adolescents is under-studied, which give way to ideas for further research.