Summer: Bikinis, Barbecues, and the
Urge to Binge and Purge

The official launch of summer – bathing suit season — is not that far off. Many overweight teenagers, both girls AND boys, are especially unhappy and uncomfortable at this time of year because they can’t hide behind layers of clothes as they do in the fall and winter.

Most won’t go to the beach or a pool. If they do, they wear long over-sized T shirts to cover themselves and, as they tell me, they hate every minute of it. 

Teens who have binge-purge eating issues will become acutely focused now on trying to get as much weight off as they can. If you have an overweight teen in your home or family – especially college teens home for the summer, having gained weight (or more weight) during the school season! – these are just a few of the signs to look for:

• Restrictive eating, suddenly eating less than you’re used to seeing.

• They tell you they already ate, or they had a big lunch so they’re not hungry for dinner, or they just brushed their teeth.

• Hiding food in their rooms.

• Going to the bathroom after meals.

• Over-exercising.

• Weight gain, and negative statements about their bodies.

Most teens with binge-eating disorders are either overweight or obese and have a history of weight problems and weight fluctuations. The common effects of this behavior are susceptibility to health issues, stress, insomnia, depression, and anxiety, just to name a few. But the most prominent effect of binge eating disorder is . . . (more) weight gain.

If you suspect your young child or teenager has a problem with binge eating, call your family doctor for advice and to get referrals to qualified local-area mental health professionals who have experience treating eating disorders in young people.