Dear PKIA and Dr. Carolyn Ross,

Is it possible that girls as young as 7 years old can suffer from Anorexia?
Also, I heard that most eating disorders stem from some form of abuse whether sexual, physical or emotional – is this true or is it the pressure society puts on women and girls to be thin?

Signed, When does the fight to be thin begin

Dear When Does The Fight To Be Thin Begin,

This is a great question and I love that you wrote us!  As you know I am the mother of two young girls, one is 7 years old.  I am careful not to discuss my personal opinions regarding my physical appearance in front of them.  I also do my best to constantly share with them just how perfect and lovely their bodies are.  We also talk openly about the beauty of all bodies that grace our vision throughout the day.
So the next time we are getting dressed and think those awful thoughts about ourselves you know: “Gosh I look like shit, or dang I’m fat” Stop yourself, because it not only hurts the little ears that mimic this thinking, it really hurts our own self image, and no matter how old we are, we are still fragile beings in development.
According to my friend Dr. Carolyn Ross, MD (check out her website by clicking here!) there has been an increasing number of children being diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, some as young as 7 years old.  Any child this young with suspected anorexia should be evaluated for medical conditions which may mimic anorexia.  It is true that a history of abuse MAY be associated with anorexia nervosa but not everyone with this diagnosis has abuse.  It’s important to take into account 1) the influence of genetics and 2) the influence of our culture’s focus on thinness.  If a child has a close family member with anorexia, for example, she or he has a 12 times increased risk for anorexia and 4 times increase risk for bulimia.  Many very young children are being exposed to fat phobia in our culture and to the media message that you have to be thin to be happy and healthy.  This has caused little girls as young as five to feel they are fat even when they are normal size.  There are other issues that can trigger anorexia in children including abuse as you mentioned, but also problems in their families.  Many individuals with the genetic predisposition for anorexia may begin to restrict in response to emotional upsets such as a divorce or death, moving to a new school, or other life changes.  Certain sports that emphasize thinness such as gymnastics, ballet dancing, wrestling can also trigger an eating disorder.  If you feel your child may be anorexic, the first step is to talk with his or her pediatrician and to consider an evaluation by a therapist specializing in working with young children who has a background in treating eating disorders.  It’s also important to just talk with your child about your concerns in a gentle way and mostly to LISTEN to the kinds of stress, fears and emotions your child may be experiencing in their lives.   Trying to gather information without alarming the child is an important first step.

Be sure to check out this weeks podcast with Dr. Carolyn Ross, MD as we followed up on this question!

Sincerely,
Princess Know It All and Dr. Carolyn Ross, MD