Eating disorders

There isn’t a single cause for an eating disorder. Most teenagers develop anorexia between the age of 13 and 15. It is one of the most stressfull period in a person’s life; some teenagers just don’t feel good about themselves, they might be depressed or stressed and under a lot of pressure to join in group and be accepted. Many teens try to conform to the aesthetic models of our society, so they believe that if they are thin, they willbe accepted. Many teenagers buy teen or fashion magazine where teen models , TV stars and sport celebrites seem rich, succesful and happy. Family plays a big role in teenagers life:if young people live in families where there is a bad relationship between their parents or between parents and children, and where feelings are not allowed to be exepressed or problems not discussed , teenagers may feel sad, alone and confused. So they think that eating helps to confort them or they refuse to eat. Anorexia and bulimia are eating disorders more common among young people. Anorexia is a very serious problem: some people just lose a lot of weight by extreme dieting and some also might vomit after they eat. Teenagers with anorexia often have depression or anxiety. In this case ,it is important to see a doctor or a nutritionist. Together, they can help the person to reach a healty weight. Adolescents who develop bulimia when something new or stressful enters their life, like a parents’ divorce, often have symptoms that include: making excuses to go bathroom immediately after meals, eating huge amount of food , using laxative or diuretics. Teenagers with bulimia often feel depressed. Also in this case, it is important to see a doctor and a nutritionist for a terapy in order to acquire the right eating attitude .Of course it’s also important for an adolescence to rely on his family. School and family should take an active role in preventing eating disorders by educating teenagers on their dangers and helping them in the difficult period of their lives. On March15 is the national day of the “LILIAC BOW” dedicated to the awareness of eating disorders. The anniversary was born in 2012 thanks to the initiative of a father, Stefano Tavillla, who on March15,2011 lost his daughter Giulia at the age of 17 due to bulimia. The national day of the” Lilac Bow” invites to reflect on the topic, paying attention to strategies and combat a phenomenon that requires timely intervention.