Fickle Behavior — or Eating Disorder?

By Helen Orloff

	SOME SYMPTOMS OF EATING DISORDERS ARE: Binging and purging Excessive weight loss Obsessive eating Excessive use of over the counter laxatives Hair loss Compulsive exercise Perfectionist attitude Mood shifts including depression, sadness, guilt, and self-hate Avoidance of social situations where food may be present Eating small amounts in public while maintaining a high weight

Rita often comments on how good her food tastes. Then she excuses herself and returns from the bathroom looking pale….

Shantel can't get enough exercise. She openly shares with the girls that she works out for several hours every day, seven days a week—rain or shine.

Marissa buys chips, soda, and candy bars and places them in her bag after eating four slices of pizza with the girls. Her cheeks are often puffy and she complains about fatigue and muscle aches, yet her weight is average for her age and frame.

Have you noticed these behaviors from the girls in your troop or group? Do you wonder if it's fickle behavior or could it be something more—an eating disorder?

How Can I Help?

Eating disorders are more than a problem with food. In fact, eating disorders represent symptoms of underlying problems, perhaps a way in which a girl can block out or numb painful feelings and emotions. So what do you do as a leader/advisor when you suspect a girl in your troop or group has an eating disorder? Here are some tips to help you deal with a girl you think may be "crossing a thin line."

• Become Informed
  Become knowlegeable about bulimia, anorexia, and obsessive eating. Aquaint yourself with some signs of eating disorders—some of the symptoms are listed to the right.
  
  
• Understand Girls Needs
  For some girls, bodily changes can be emotional,stressful, confusing, and frightening. Girls need to be educated about normal changes in the body, healthy eating, and other ways to deal with stress. Let girls know that it's normal to gain weight around their hips, thighs, and buttocks as they grow and develop. Give the girls opportunities to discuss issues with you, each other, and professionals. Gaining information from a nutritionist, medical doctor, and mental health professionals can help inform all girls about healthy food choices and boost their self confidence.
  
  
• Address the Issue
  If you suspect a girl has an eating disorder—talk with her and her parent or guardian. Emphasize it is important to seek professional help quickly. Should they request information or a referral, encourage them to speak with their family doctor. You can also offer organizations that specialize in eating disorders such as:
  
  
  Academy For Eating Disorders www.aedweb.org
  National Eating Disorders Association www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
  National Mental Health Association www.nmha.org

Keep an eye on not only what girls are eating, but what might be eating them! Girls can recover from eating disorders with professional help, support, and encouragement.