Why Are Teens More at Risk for Developing Anorexia Nervosa?

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, can affect people at any age; in most cases, they begin to develop in the teen years or early adulthood. For teens that have recently noticed the signs of anorexia eating disorder or have already been given an official diagnosis, it is important to learn more about the condition before looking at anorexia nervosa treatment centers. Why are so many young people affected by anorexia nervosa and other common eating disorders? And when is it time to consider professional anorexia nervosa treatment? Keep reading to learn more about this serious mental health condition from the experienced team at Clementine.

What Is Anorexia Nervosa Disorder?

Anorexia nervosa is a very serious mental health condition characterized by drastic weight loss or the lack of weight gain in small children. People with this type of eating disorder have problems maintaining a weight deemed by medical professionals as healthy for someone of their height, age, and general stature. Additionally, individuals who enter anorexia nervosa treatment often experience issues with a negative or distorted body image.

Teens with anorexia nervosa will work to actively restrict the number of calories they consume each day. They typically do this by dieting and fasting. In some cases, they may also purge via self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, and laxative abuse. If this is the case, it may be time to begin searching for anorexia treatment centers near you. (1)

Why Are So Many Teens at Risk of Developing Anorexia Nervosa?

Eating disorders usually result due to a number of different biological, social, personal, psychological and environmental factors. However, research shows adolescents are the most at-risk group of people for developing an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa. It is believed the onset of puberty and the intense changes it brings to one's life is a major reason so many teens develop eating disorders. Not only do teens have to deal with their changing bodies and minds; these changes can result in added stress, anxiety, depression and a desire to "fit in”.

While these changes are difficult to navigate in the best situations, if a child is already trying to navigate feelings of low self-esteem, peer pressure or trauma, an eating disorder may develop as a coping mechanism. In many cases, an obsession with food, counting calories, and dieting or exercise can simply be an attempt for teens to gain control of their lives and the many situations where they may feel otherwise helpless.

Teen Girls and Anorexia Nervosa

People of all sexes and genders can develop an eating disorder, but this type of mental health condition is much more common in girls and women. In fact, about 3.8 percent of children with an eating disorder are female, while 1.5 percent are male. Luckily, with the help of anorexia treatment centers that focus on teen care, successful recovery is possible. (2)

Clementine Anorexia Nervosa Treatment Centers

While many parents hope their child will grow out of their eating disorder, an anorexia nervosa diagnosis or signs and symptoms should never be ignored. At Clementine's anorexia treatment centers, we provide both medical and psychiatric care developed for teens and providing the highest level of care outside of a hospital setting.

In addition to providing compassionate care to our clients, we offer support for families and loved ones. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, we are committed to providing anorexia nervosa treatment in a safe, comfortable and home-like setting. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with an eating disorder, please call 1.855.900.2221 to learn more about our anorexia nervosa treatment centers and speak with one of our friendly admissions specialists today.