Eating disorders are common, disabling, and costly problems that 10% of individuals will experience in their lifetime. The most common age for eating disorders to manifest is in the teenage years. However, since eating disorders can be very secretive they often go unrecognized with 80% of those with EDs not receiving treatment. This program being implemented at the peak age of onset is incredibly important as the earlier the eating disorder is diagnosed and treated, the better the health outcome for that teenager.
Body U Teens is a program that is made to meet your child where they are. If your teen is low risk and showing healthy behaviors around their shape and weight, our Staying Well program will reinforce those behaviors; but if your teen is starting to show high risk thoughts or behaviors around their shape and weight, and/or eating concerns, our everyBody program (coached or uncoached) will use evidence based lessons to decrease symptoms.
We encourage you to have your child participate in Body U Teens and allow them to take advantage of this mental health resource. By catching eating disorders early, you will be setting your child up for a healthier future.
Resources for Parents
Parents with a child who shows symptoms for an eating disorders will be invited to participate in a support groups for parents lead by peers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eating Disorders can affect anyone! People of all body sizes, ages, genders, races, sexual orientations, and income levels can be diagnosed with an eating disorder.
Teens struggling with an eating disorder may:
- Lose or gain weight quickly
- Control their food
- Diet
- Spend less time with friends and family
- Experience mood swings.
They may also report:
- Stomach Issues
- Dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
Please note that this is not a complete list of possible symptoms and should not be used to diagnose someone with an eating disorder. If you suspect that your child might have an eating disorder please contact your primary care provider.
There is no one reason why. Often it is a mix of psychological, social, and biological factors that result in an increased risk of developing an eating disorder. Eating disorder development can be triggered by an environmental or social factor like a diet, experiencing bullying, or even having a stomach bug
Currently, 627 cases of eating disorders are reported in MO public school districts. Based on known prevalence rates of eating disorders in adolescents, the true number is likely 35 times higher. The longer an eating disorder goes undetected, the harder it is to treat – By screening in schools, eating disorders can be identified early and Body U Teens can provide evidence-based care to teens who may not otherwise receive any treatment.
Supportive parents are a huge part of healing for teens with eating disorders. Parents and guardians are incredibly important to a child’s recovery and can be allies in the healing journey.
- Parent support group led by Missouri Eating Disorder Council (coming soon)
- F.E.A.S.T: A global support and education community of and for parents of those with eating disorders.
- The National Alliance for Eating Disorders’ Parent Toolkit provides details on understanding eating disorders, navigating treatment, and handling insurance and payment for medical care.
Body U is freely available to all adults in Missouri and can be accessed here.