Eating disorders can affect people of all ages, racial/ethnic backgrounds, body weights, and genders. Eating disorders frequently appear during the teen years or young adulthood but may also develop during childhood or later in life. These disorders affect both genders.

To support family concerns about possible eating disorders in your child, we have gathered information to help you understand what the different types of eating disorders there are as well as some signs and symptoms.  We strongly encourage you to address any concerns with your family physician.  

There is a commonly held misconception that eating disorders are a lifestyle choice. Eating disorders are actually serious and often fatal illnesses that are associated with severe disturbances in people’s eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions. Preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape may also signal an eating disorder. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care.

• National Institute on Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders/ 

• Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/common-eating-disorders

• Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20353603

• WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/signs-of-eating-disorders

Our Upper Moreland Health curriculum addresses healthy weight and body image in the following grades to raise awareness and understanding for our students: Grades: 3, 4, 8, 9, & 10