Teen Self Image and Weight Control
If Barbie were real her measurements would be 42-17-36. Most parents are aware of the signs and symptoms of eating disorders. Many even watch their child’s eating habits closely to make sure they aren’t developing a problem; however, they often overlook a problem that is just as serious and fairly common: obsessive exercise. When this occurs your teen feels they need to exercise hours a day to stay healthy and fit. Over exercising can cause problems ranging from short term fatigue, exhaustion, delay of puberty, to permanent physical injury. This is why it’s important to recognize the symptoms and how to prevent and treat this disorder.Compulsive exercise is caused by many of the same issues that can trigger an eating disorder. Generally, the teen feels unhappy with their body image and exercises to fix it. They may also have been exposed to an overweight friend or relative and exercise to avoid becoming overweight themselves. Compulsive exercisers have to be in control of all parts of their lives. They feel that not exercising would leave them without control which, for them, is not an option.
The best way to avoid your child developing an obsessive exercise disorder and to booster a healthy self image is to teach them healthy exercise habits as early as possible. It’s also important to recognize that teenage boys often fall prey to a low self- image as well. Develop an exercise plan with your child when they’re young, set limits and boundaries. Your child will be more likely to maintain healthy habits as they mature. An important part of teaching your child proper exercise habits, is to practice them yourself.
You can also help prevent this condition from developing by helping your child develop a healthy body image. You can start this at a young age by emphasizing that not just skinny people are beautiful. You should also be sure to point out the positives of your child’s image. If your child is overweight, you don’t need to point it out to them; they already know. A better response would be to help your child maintain a healthy diet and exercise plan aimed at good health.
Along with preventing compulsive exercising, it’s also important to be able to recognize the symptoms and treat the disorder properly. Following are the most common danger signs to look for:
* Physical exercise beyond normal limits.
* Obsessed with being thin.
* False body image, (feels they are fat when they are dangerously thin).
* An established eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.
* Exercise when injured or exhausted, even when told not to.
If you suspect your teen has a problem with over-exercising and self-esteem, talk to them in a calm manner. Explain what you see with their behavior and offer to help. If you are not comfortable talking to your child, talk to their coach or consult a therapist. It’s important that your teen learns that their behavior is unhealthy without feeling like they’re being persecuted.
July 30th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Parents of young people with such kinds of problems should also seek the help of professionals. Most often than not, these problems are just psychological. One contributor to such is a gremlin.
I invite you to a Live 60-minute call-in Teleseminar on Thursday, July 31st, 6PM Pacific / 9PM Eastern. With Jane Massengill as the resource person. She will talk about the gremlins in our life. What’s a gremlin? It’s that nasty little voice behind your back that keeps on feeding you with negative and sabotaging words about your character and the way you should react to different situations in your life. Ask Jane for some advice on how to tame that gremlin. Please visit tame your gremlin to be able to participate in the call for free.