A recent parenting article from Common Sense Media reported that 25 percent of anorexics and bulimics and 40 percent of binge eaters were men. Unlike females, who just want to be thin, men cite a desire to have chiseled bodies and "six-pack" abs like those of famous stars and athletes, according to a recent report by researchers at Harvard.

To help our teens resist unhealthy ways of obtaining perfect bodies, Common Sense Media suggested we do a number of things:

• Tell our teens that few men actually look like those famous people, and if they do it is with a lot of support, work, money and, in some cases, surgery


• Ask our kids about their friends' risky behavior, including disordered eating, steroid use and over exercising


• Watch for signs of eating disorders, including drastically changing eating patterns, vomiting, sudden weight loss, large muscle growth and a jump in exercising time

A newer, and less accepted, form of disordered eating is called "orthoexia" and manifests as a fixation with only eating food that is healthy or organic. This is not a bad thing unless the need to eat well becomes the primary focus of life and eating must be balanced by excessive exercise. If you are concerned about your teen's eating, make an appointment with your child's doctor immediately. The earlier intervention begins, the more likely it is to be successful.

Online Resources:

• National Eating Disorders Association
  
• Palo Alto Medical Foundation: "We're Talking Teen Health

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Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author(s) and not necessarily that of your health care provider, the Palo Alto Medical Clinic, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation or Sutter Health. This information is provided for your general information and education only, and should not be relied upon for personal diagnosis or treatment. If you feel like you have an illness or need emotional support for a problem, please contact you personal physician NOW.