Teaching Students with Eating Disorders

Working with adolescents for over the 15 years, I quickly learned that many of my students – both boys and girls suffered from some type of eating disorder, such as bulimia and/or anorexia. While eating disorders are most commonly associated with adolescent girls, studies have shown children as young as 5 years-old have expressed an need to “lose weight” or diet. Also, research indicates approximately 15% percent of the adolescents who battle with anorexia and/or bulimia is male.

There are two primary types of eating disorders, which are common among teenagers. One of these disorders is anorexia. Individuals with anorexia are underweight. Teenagers with anorexia express great fear about any weight gain and have a seriously distorted perception of their body image. Anorexics are usually excessively thin. They will often express feelings of being cold, as they do not have enough body weight to maintain a normal temperature. Given anorexics severely limit their caloric intake, they are often undernourished and may experience dizziness and/or fainting spells. Anorexics usually tend to be young women and they tend to be perfectionist and overachieving. These young women often express admiration for underweight models and celebrities.

Bulimia is the other disorder which is on the rise within the adolescent population. Bulimia is a disorder in which a person goes on eating binges and consumes a tremendous amount of food in a rapid time period. Then, as a result of guilt feeling and to avoid long-term weight gain they “purge. Purging may occur in several different ways including (but not limited to); marathon exercise sessions, fasting, use of laxatives, self-induced vomiting and the use of enemas. Teenagers who are dealing with bulimia often have low self-esteem.

It is critical to remember in working with adolescents who suffer from anorexia and/or bulimia that their entire lives revolve around food. It is very hard for them to concentrate and so they may need extra time and reminders to complete work. Also, the way they perceive their bodies is “real” to them, even though their reality maybe distorted or unrealistic. For example, an anorexic who is five-foot ten-inches tall and weighs 100 pounds, truly believes she is too fat and “gross”. If you know you have an anorexic or bulimic student in class, it is prudent to avoid snacks and food-related activities.

Making comments, to adolescents dealing with anorexia and/or bulimia, such as “Do you know how thin you are?”, “You look like a scarecrow!” or “I wish I had your ‘problem’!” are not helpful and may be potentially harmful. Focus instead on the child’s work in the classroom. Encourage them to make progress but stress they do not have to be perfect. Anorexia and bulimia both affect a student’s nutritional and energy levels, so try avoiding pushing them too hard.

It may be helpful, to get permission to speak with any mental health practitioners who are involved with the teenager with anorexia or bulimia. These professionals can help you gain a better understanding of anorexia or bulimia, and work with you to develop effective interventions for the student in your classroom. In turn, you provide to the mental health professional beneficial insight into how the child acts in and academic setting, which can help the professional treat the child in a more holistic manner.