Eating disorders and disordered eating affect young men across the country every day. Peer pressure, fear of failure, daily stress, and the need for control can all lead to disordered eating. While many people may think eating disorders like anorexia do not affect teenage boys, they are just as likely to experience disordered eating as teenage girls. Luckily, today there are countless programs for teen disordered eating treatment.
If you’re worried about your son’s eating habits, Foothills at Red Oak Recovery can help. Our holistic therapy programs help adolescent men recover from anorexia in beautiful North Carolina. Reach out today at 866.300.5275 to learn more about our disordered eating treatment programs for teens.
What Is Anorexia?
Anorexia nervosa is classified by the American Psychological Association as an eating disorder. Anorexia can cause an unhealthy obsession with weight and food, as well as a decreased appetite. For many young people living with anorexia, fitness, calorie counting, and fasting are common symptoms. Like many forms of disordered eating, anorexia begins with a distorted body image.
Unlike bulimia, anorexia does not involve binging and purging but instead focuses on extreme calorie restriction. For many young men living with anorexia, their eating disorder may be a symptom of chronic stress, past trauma, or undiagnosed mental health disorders. For many, anorexia allows them to feel in control of something in an otherwise chaotic world. Common signs of anorexia and disordered eating may include:
- Body dysmorphia
- Yo-yo dieting
- Food anxiety
- Counting calories
- Restrictive diets
- Guilt and shame related to food
- Obsessing over food
- Feeling out of control around food
- Excessive exercise
The teenage years are hard for everyone, but especially for teenage boys. In today’s social media world, peer pressure to look, be, and perform a certain way can take its toll on them. A disordered eating treatment program can help you and your son navigate his mental health, eating habits, and self-worth for positive change.
Disordered Eating Treatment and Support
Unfortunately, disordered eating is increasingly common among teens. Young men from all walks of life struggle with anorexia. Like most disordered eating, those living with anorexia will hide their eating habits and make things appear normal to loved ones. However, weight loss, hair loss, change in skin luster, and changes in behavior can all be signs of anorexia. Left untreated, people living with anorexia suffer malnutrition, which can have long-lasting effects on their health. Anorexia nervosa can cause starvation, organ failure, and death without treatment.
A disordered eating treatment program can help address how your son feels in his body. Programs provide a range of therapies to help young men discover the root causes of their eating disorders. Many programs today include wilderness and experiential therapy. These alternative therapies rooted in the outdoors help clients remember that food is fuel. Hiking, camping, rowing, and other outdoor activities can shift perspectives and teach teens to love their bodies again.
Get Your Son the Support He Needs Today at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
If you suspect your son is struggling with anorexia nervosa or other disordered eating, Foothill at Red Oak Recovery can help. Our idyllic North Carolina treatment center helps young men disconnect from their busy lives, re-prioritize, and build resilience. With treatments such as equine-assisted therapy, the teens at Foothills experience the beauty of nature without leaving our scenic campus.
We provide a range of traditional therapies, along with treatment for drug, alcohol, and process addictions. Foothills also help young men connect with one another for a bright and healthy future. If you’re ready to learn more, reach our staff at 866.300.5275 for more information on our clinic.
