Dieting May Start as Young as the Preteen Years

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At any point in time, about one third, or 71 million, of adult Americans are dieting. With obesity becoming one of the most preventable health risks, it’s natural to want to do something about it. However, what you may not know is adults are not the only ones dieting – so are teenage and preteen girls.

A study of 2,000 girls aged 10 to 14 showed that up to a full third of them were dieting. Out of those, 10 percent were engaged in disordered eating behaviors. Dieting has already been shown to be a risk factor for a full blown eating disorder, and those who possess the characteristics of disordered eating are at an increased risk.

There is more pressure on young girls today to be skinny and athletic like the models they see in magazines. These images affect the way they look at themselves and their attitudes toward their own body. This is also a time when romantic interests start and they want to look their best. Going through puberty can put on additional stress – the majority of girls who become anorexic do so at this time, possibly due to a natural increase in body fat.

It is clear that support from schools and families needs to start early in life, and girls need to be educated about eating disorders and related behaviors. If you see warning signs in your child, think about talking to a professional, and give them plenty of support. The earlier these things are caught, the better it is for both you and your daughter.