Dieting fads have existed for years. However, some teens have taken dieting to an unhealthy extreme.

We all have heard about anorexia nervosa and bulimia.

Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder primarily of young women in their teens and early twenties that is characterized especially by a pathological fear of weight gain leading to faulty eating patterns, malnutrition and usually excessive weight loss according the Medical portion of Merriam-Webster.com.

Bulimia is a serious eating disorder that occurs chiefly in females, is characterized by compulsive overeating usually followed by self-induced vomiting, or laxative or diuretic abuse, and is often accompanied by guilt and depression as defined by the Medical portion of Merriam-Webster.com.

Daily the media bombards us with ads portraying the beautiful, perfect body image for both men and women. Although we hear mostly about females with eating disorders, men have eating disorders as well. Young men in society have just as much pressure to conform to a specific macho image as young women.

The market has many quick weight loss pills and gimmicks. Our teenagers are using these untested drugs, steroids, starving themselves, over exercising, binging and purging all in an effort to attain the perfect body.

We say everyone is unique and special, however, our media advertising says otherwise. How can our young people attain a healthy self image and have positive self esteem when we say one thing but promote another?

What it all boil down to is that healthy eating and exercise is the best way to maintain proper weight, body fat, muscles and energy for the brain.

It is important to promote a healthy self image. Encourage your teen to make good choices. Reinforce your teen’s strengths and accomplishments. Work though difficulties and explain the risks involved in diet fads and pills. Most importantly, love your teen for who he or she is.

Reference
http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/anorexia%20nervosa
http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/bulimia