Fourth Edition, September 2011

What’s normal and what’s not?
Many students, especially young women, report that they are concerned about their weight, and may 
purge or binge eat from time to time. 

---

Making a Diff erence: An Educators’ Guide to Child and Youth Mental Health Problems
www.cymhin.ca
I 2
Eating Problems
How common are eating disorders?
Eating disorders are more common in females (about 90-95% of those diagnosed), but not unknown in 
males. About 8% of females suff er from either anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, and 27% of young 
women ages 12-18 are reported to be engaged in severely problematic food and weight behaviour.
What causes eating disorders?
Eating disorders are likely the result of a complex interaction between psychological, biological, and so-
cial factors. There is evidence that genetics contributes to the development of eating disorders. Other 
psychological factors such as perfectionism, poor self-esteem, impulsive behaviour, anger management 
diffi
culties, and family confl icts may also contribute to the development of eating disorders.
All of these disorders can have serious and life threatening consequences. Many young people with eat-
ing disorders don’t believe there is anything wrong, and, therefore, don’t acknowledge the problem and 
seek the help they need. Continued support and encouragement to seek help is often needed. 
Warning signs of an eating disorder 

A marked increase or decrease in weight

Development of extreme or unusual eating habits such as severe dieting, withdrawn or 
ritualized behaviour at mealtime, or secretive binging

An intense preoccupation with weight and body

Engaging in compulsive or excessive exercising

Self-induced vomiting, periods of fasting, or abuse of laxatives, diet pills, or diuretics

Low self-esteem

Evidence of shakiness, dizziness, or feeling faint

Frequent trips to the toilet to purge

Mood changes such as irritability, anxiety, or depression

Decline in concentration, memory, or academic performance

Withdrawal from social contact, interests, and hobbies

Diffi
culty completing tasks or assignments because of need for ‘perfectionism’

Short attention span and poor concentration

Lack of energy and drive to complete assignments or homework

Absences from school for treatment of health problems

Lethargy, forgetfulness, and poor judgment as a result of malnutrition

---

I 3
Eating Problems
Making a Diff erence: An Educators’ Guide to Child and Youth Mental Health Problems
www.cymhin.ca