Warning: Teenagers hospitalized due to uncontrolled weight loss 'movement'

(Chinhphu.vn) - The uncontrolled weight loss "movement" is causing many teenagers to approach high-risk eating trends under the name of "healthy lifestyle", leading to anxiety, depression, disorders, obsessions...

A doctor is examining a patient at the Institute of Mental Health, Bach Mai Hospital - Photo: VGP/HM

High-risk period for developing an eating disorder

Sharing with the press on October 13, Dr. Ngo Tuan Khiem, Institute of Mental Health, Bach Mai Hospital, said that the Institute of Mental Health has received many teenage patients with poor appetite, anorexia, unexplained rapid weight loss, excessive exercise, weight obsession, etc. It is worth mentioning that the patients still continue to maintain their diet and intense exercise after being advised by everyone.

A 17-year-old female patient with a history of good health was admitted to the hospital due to fainting and poor appetite. The disease had been progressing for about 6 months. Through examining the patient, the doctors at the Institute discovered that the patient had the following symptoms: limited energy intake, distorted perception and excessive concern about weight and body shape.

In just 6 months of dieting and intense exercise, the patient lost from 62kg to 42kg, which is a reduction of 1/3 of his body weight. Although many people advised the patient to stop dieting and exercise more regularly, the patient continued to eat very little, only a few spoons of white rice at noon and evening, fasting in the morning, eating very little protein. The patient was afraid that if he did not maintain the same diet and exercise regimen, his weight would increase and he would become fat.

BSNT Ngo Tuan Khiem shared that many people are confusing moderate dieting with excessive dieting, even anorexia.

People with the disease often have to diet so much that they feel miserable, are always haunted by the thought that they are not beautiful, have to fast, exercise more intensely... these are signs of the disease and need to see a doctor.

MSc. Dr. Pham Thi Nguyet Nga, Institute of Mental Health, Bach Mai Hospital also said that eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by disturbances in eating behavior as well as related thoughts and emotions.

Typically, people with eating disorders develop an excessive preoccupation with food and their height, weight, or body shape. There are four main types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and other eating disorders.

Adolescence (ages 10–19) is a high-risk period for developing eating disorders due to many biological, psychological, and social changes.

Dr. Ngo Tuan Khiem, Institute of Mental Health, Bach Mai Hospital, informs about some typical cases - Photo: VGP/HM

The coordination of family, school and community plays a key role.

Doctors warn that it is developmentally normal for today's teens to be concerned about their appearance and body image, but significant weight loss or overly restrictive eating habits are not a normal part of adolescence. Teens who exhibit such behavior should be evaluated for serious conditions such as eating disorders.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the prevalence of eating disorders in children and adolescents (ages 11-19) ranges from 1.2% (males) to 5.7% (females), with the prevalence increasing in recent decades. The period from mid- to late adolescence is the peak period for eating disorders and their symptoms. In the United States, adolescents (ages 13-18) have a prevalence of anorexia nervosa of 0.3%.

Many people are dissatisfied with their body shape and have a strong desire to lose weight, leading to anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, low self-esteem, social anxiety, and academic pressure. These are factors that cause psychological pressure in adolescence.

Eating disorders in adolescents are not a choice or a lifestyle, but a serious but treatable medical condition. If the warning signs are detected early and the child is taken to the appropriate specialist facility, the disease can be completely treated and complications can be limited.

During treatment, doctors emphasize that coordination between family, school and community plays a key role, while emphasizing proper communication, supporting children during meals and avoiding stigmatizing attitudes.

Hien Minh

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/canh-bao-thanh-thieu-nien-nhap-vien-do-phong-trao-giam-can-khong-kiem-soat-102251013172213127.htm