How to Spot a Bulimic Teen
The signs of a teenage bulimic can be difficult to spot. It is crucial to look at the teenager's behaviors, moods, activities and physical state. Bulimic teens often stay approximately the same size and live through a cycle of gaining and losing approximately 15 pounds. Use this guide to help spot the signs of teenage bulimia.
Instructions
Common Behaviors of a Bulimic Teen
Recognize if the teen is engaging in binge eating or eating an unusually large amount of food. Also take notice if there is an usually large amount of empty food wrappers or containers in the trash or unusual places such as the car or closet. Take notice if cash is missing; bulimic teens often steal money to purchase food for their binges. Notice any eating rituals that appear to be out of the ordinary such as constant dieting in order to eliminate certain foods. Pay close attention to the teen's eating schedule, such as periods of time that she consumes a great amount of food and other times when it seems she is barely eating. Spot signs of the use of laxatives by looking for laxative wrappers in the trash. Pay attention for the smell of vomit in the bathroom. Bulimic teens often vomit after they have gone through a cycle of binge eating. Take notice of a teen who immediately goes to the bathroom after a meal; this may indicate that she is purging. Look for a teen who engages in excessive amounts of exercise, often times without enjoyment. Exercising becomes more of an obsession as opposed to a healthy way to stay fit. Physical Signs of a Bulimic Teenager
Pay attention to weight fluctuations. Often times, a bulimic teen is hard to spot because she stays within 10 to 15 pounds of her regular weight. In most cases, bulimics are not abnormally thin. Ask the teen's dentist if he notices any signs of bulimia after a dental visit. Excessive vomiting can lead to serious tooth decay and other dental problems. Look for calluses on the knuckles which appear from inducing vomiting with the hands. Take note of any menstrual irregularities in female teens which can be affected by bulimia. Mood Indicators of a Bulimic Teenager
Recognize changes in the teen's social habits. Often bulimic teens will think of excuses to avoid social functions where food is involved. Listen to what the teen is talking about. Often times, bulimic teens are preoccupied with food and obsessed with eating, exercising and losing weight. Watch for signs that the teen is unhappy with her body image. Bulimics often make small, frequent comments about how dissatisfied they are with themselves. The may frequently say they are fat or ugly or compare themselves to idols who are skinny.
