It's common for kids - particularly teens - to be concerned about how they look and to feel self-conscious about their weight. During puberty, individuals’ bodies are changing dramatically and they are facing new social pressures, like attraction to the opposite sex.

Unfortunately, for a growing proportion of our population, that concern grows into an obsession that causes dramatic weight fluctuation, interferes with normal daily life, and damages vital body functions.

Up to 10 million teens develop eating disorders, abnormal attitudes and behaviors with foods, which include anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. For most, eating disorders begin when they are 11 to 13 years old. While they are more common among girls, boys can experience eating disorders too. Unfortunately, many young adults successfully hide these disorders from their families for months or years.

You can help prevent an eating disorder by nurturing your child or loved one’s self-esteem, and healthy attitudes about nutrition and appearance. If you fear that they have an eating disorder - because he or she has rapid weight fluctuation, and his or her concern about weight interferes with normal daily activities, it's important to approach them about getting the proper medical care.

The information in this section was updated and reviewed by Dr. Barbara P. Homeier, MD and originally review by Dr. Steve Dowshen, MD and Dr. Edward Versteeg, MD.