Researchers are studying eating disorders in children under the age of 12. Most children who exhibit binge and purge behaviors are between the ages of 10 and 12, though there have been reported cases as young as age 5. Currently, researchers estimate that approximately 10 percent of children under the age of 12 with symptoms of eating disorders are throwing up.
Dr. Leora Pinhas, principal investigator on the study and the psychiatric director of the eating disorders program at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children, commented on the surprising findings:
"I think we're all aware that there are eating disorders in kids under the age of 12. But we thought that it would be simpler, mostly that they weren't eating, or they might be exercising. ... We weren't expecting them to have taken the next step."
Dr. Pinhas pointed out that many parents may not know their kids are engaging in this behavior. Most children who binge and purge are in the normal weight range and look physically normal. In addition, kids are smart enough to hide their behaviors. They may vomit in the shower, or turn on the faucet in the bathroom to cover the noise.
(Source: www.canada.com)
Posted By: jgarcia