Re: Predicting Eating Disorders in Children

A quote from "Predicting Eating Disorders in Children"

"Researchers found that the amount of fat and carbohydrates consumed by girls around age 11 appears to be linked to later body image problems by age 14. In 15 year-old girls, those that ate a low amount of fat and more carbohydrates were more likely to develop bad eating habits by age 19. The results of the study also showed that perfectionists were at greater risk of developing an eating disorder."

This fits in with  the hypothesis that the common element in eating disorders is that it is associated with hypoglycemia - an imbalance between the consumption of carbohydrates ad fats.

When there is a problem in the absorption and metabolism of carbohydrates - especially refined carbohydrates (sugar) - as in hypoglycemia - the body tends to put on weight. This is the first trigger for young girls wanting to "diet", and that will spark off anorexia and bulimia.

Hypoglycemia is shared with many other forms of mood disorders and hence one test for potential anorexia is the test for hypoglycemia by Dr George Samra explained here.

For a fuller explanation of anorexia and bulimia see:

Eating Disorders: Anorexia and Bulimia