How to detect anorexia early?
At what age is there a disturbance in eating behavior?
Classically, this pathology emerges towards adolescence with two peaks, one towards 13 years, the other towards 16 years. But we also observe disorders from the age of 10-11 years. We then speak ofanorexia prepubertal.
Is this a new phenomenon?
Yes, but it's a clinical impression. Undeniably, I observe a new phenomenon of physical stress occurring in pre-adolescents. These excessive concerns on fragile ground can become symptomatic.
What are the signs that need to alert?
- Suspicious behavior with food. The systematic exclusion of some of them under false pretenses (fear of mad cow, dental apparatus ...), sorting on the plate.
- A concern revolving around the excessive body. When, for example, a girl weighs herself very often after each meal.
- Rigid behavior, with control over food intake. Some children watch what their mother prepares in the kitchen, begin to advise their parents on what they should buy, become tyrannical ...
- Physical hyperactivity. The child goes to sports intensively, or does abs in his room. Some stay up or sleep the window open to spend more calories ...
What to do if we observe signs?
You must quickly consult a specialist in eating disorders.
Are the causes of prepubertal anorexia identical to those of adolescent anorexia?
Yes, the causes are the same a priori, but we do not know them well. We guess they are multifactorial, partly environmental, family (conflict), but also medical. Some lands are more fragile.
Does this type of anorexia jeopardize the adolescent's health?
Yes. A anorexia prepubescent puts an end to growth, with all the consequences that this implies: osteoporosis, impubérisme, sterility. On a neuropsychic level, it reaches the self-image and prevents the evolution towards a sexuality and an adult life.
In fact, the whole body suffers: the digestive and cardiac systems deteriorate, the skin becomes poor quality, the hair falls, the brain shrinks. Girls who are vomiting also have problems with esophagus, teeth and gums ...
Can we prevent prepubertal anorexia?
The best prevention is to establish rules of hygiene: eat well, drink well, sleep well, play sports reasonably and enjoy the body. Fun to eat, pleasure to feel good. Food anarchy and the loss of the notion of pleasure around the table is not structuring for a teenager.
Do you think that the image of beauty conveyed by the media has a responsibility?
Not directly. But when you are a girl today, you hardly escape the world of the image. On fragile subjects, this can open a gap.
