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Expert Q&A
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| By Eve Eliot Eating Disorder Expert | ||
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Are elementary school-age children too young to have an eating disorder? What are signs to look for?
I have seen girls as young as fourth graders want to be on diets, girls that are slender and appropriate weights for their age. Even second and third graders are vulnerable to ads for diet products and low-carb regimens. Media, as well as the parents' attitudes toward their own weight, can trigger a preoccupation with body shape and size even in the very young.
Notice whether the child is bringing home uneaten food from their school lunchbox or whether they are becoming preoccupied with their weight."
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More Answers by this Expert
- My very thin 10-year-old has started saying she's fat and wants to go on a low-calorie diet. I know she's hearing this at school. What should I do?
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