Teen Dieting and Risky Behavior

by SAMHSA

TV, movies, and magazines are full of images of bodies that are too perfect to be real. Children and teens see these images all the time, and they may wish they could look like the ultra-thin models they see. What they may not know is that almost every picture in a fashion magazine has been "touched up" in some way to make the models look better. Teens often try to look like these unreal pictures by going on extreme diets.

How about your teen? Is your son working out nonstop so he'll look good at the beach? Is your daughter frantically trying to lose 20 pounds by prom time? Research shows that about two-thirds of teen girls and about one-quarter of teen boys are trying to control their weight.

Changing your diet can be a good thing. For instance, some teens may decide to stay away from junk food, add more fruits and vegetables to their diets, or exercise more often. These healthy choices can help people control their weight safely.

But teens who go on extreme diets-like fasting, making themselves throw up, taking diet pills, or using laxatives-to lose weight are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, use marijuana, exercise intensely, and attempt suicide. Despite taking extreme measures to lose weight, extreme dieters are less likely to make healthy choices, like exercising moderately and eating five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

Where would your teen see herself in this picture? If you think your teen would make healthy choices and avoid extreme diets, pat her on the back!

But if your teen might be an extreme dieter, you should take some time to think about his whole lifestyle. Do you see any signs of other risky behaviors? Are his extreme efforts to lose weight a sign of other problems in his life? If you see a cluster of risky behaviors, you should talk to a school counselor or doctor about getting some help for your teen. Risky behavior also can be a sign of depression or some other mental illness that can be treated with the right kind of help.

Maybe your teen doesn't do any other risky behavior linked with extreme diets, but her extreme dieting could be a sign of poor body image or low self-esteem. If so, you can take some steps to help her have more confidence. Working with a counselor or doctor can help her feel better about herself and get out of the trap of extreme dieting.

About the Author

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SAMHSA works to improve the quality and availability of substance abuse prevention, alcohol and drug addiction treatment, and mental health services. Includes links to support groups, information resources, events and articles.