Eating Disorders During the Holidays

The holiday season is a fun time of the year for millions of children throughout the world. Festivities, gathering with family and friends and celebrating often includes increased pressure to indulge in holiday meals and treats.For individuals suffering from eating disorders, this can be an extremely difficult time. The most common eating disorders, Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia, affect more than 24 million Americans each year, according to The Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness. 90% of those with eating disorders are female between the ages of 12 and 25 years. Approximately 11% of  all high school students have been diagnosed with an eating disorder (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders). It is estimated that 50,000 people die  each year as a direct or indirect result of an eating disorder (The Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness). Suggestions to assist parents if their child is suffering from a known or suspected eating disorder are attached. The attachment includes the signs and symptoms, as well as helpful resources within the school and community.