- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Eating Disorder
Eating disorders involve self-critical, negative thoughts and feelings about body weight and food, and eating habits that disrupt normal body function and daily activities.
More to Know
People with eating disorders may have a fear of gaining weight or be overly concerned about their body shape and weight. They may eat very little all the time, or at times may binge (eat a lot in a short amount of time). They may exercise more than they should, make themselves throw up, or use pills to lose weight.
Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa cause dramatic weight fluctuation, interfere with normal daily life, and can permanently affect health. The cause of eating disorders isn't clear, but doctors believe it involves psychological, genetic, and social factors.
While more common in girls, eating disorders can affect boys, too. Kids and teens with eating disorders may feel cold or tired. Some have dizziness or fainting, hair loss, dry skin, and difficulty concentrating. Girls may stop having periods.
Early identification and treatment of an eating disorder is important. Without treatment, eating disorders may lead to life-threatening heart problems as well as problems with other organs in the body.
Keep in Mind
Treatment for eating disorders should involve a team of experts, including a doctor, therapist, and dietitian. The goals of treatment are to help someone:
- stop the unhealthy behaviors
- achieve and maintain a healthy weight and healthy eating patterns
- learn ways to change thoughts about his or her body and approach to food
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.