Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating are very serious eating disorders that affect increasing numbers of children and adolescents. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that between 5-10 million girls and 1 million boys suffer from eating disorders, while as many as 15 percent of young women adopt unhealthy attitudes and behaviors about food. Struggling with a child's eating disorder, and the accompanying feelings of frustration and helplessness, can be very difficult for you as a concerned parent.

Eating disorders come with a wide range of physical, emotional, and behavioral issues. If you suspect or already know that your child has issues with body image or has an eating disorder, know this: the earlier eating disorders are diagnosed and treated, the better the chances are for full recovery. You will find the answers you need to begin addressing the complex problem of eating disorders in this information-packed, live, online course.

About This Course

When you look at your child, what you perceive may be very different from what your daughter sees reflected in the mirror, or how your son feels when he changes his shirt in the locker room of gym class. Most everyone goes through stages when they are not completely happy with their body image or physical appearance. This is normal. However, when your child's negative body image is combined with other serious underlying issues, an eating disorder can result.

Eating disorders tend to occur in combination with other problems, including depression, anxiety and substance abuse. An underlying common factor in most eating disorders is feeling "out of control" and attempting to use food to regain the lost sense of control.

The first step to controlling an eating disorder is understanding it. In this Better Family University course, you will discover an essential overview of the symptoms and treatment of the most common eating disorders including:

Anorexia (Anorexia nervosa): This is characterized by an already low body weight, with the intense fear of gaining weight. Food is such an obsession that an anorexic teen thinks about food almost constantly, but places severe limits on the type and amount of food she or he eats. Anorexia is more than just a problem with food. It's also a form of control. It's a method to ease tension, anger, and anxiety. It's dangerous.

Bulimia (Bulimia Nervosa): Characterized by binging and purging (eating a lot of food in a short amount of time and then getting rid of the food by throwing up or by taking laxatives.) Excessive exercise may also be common. Bulimia is a psychologically complex issue that also relates to control.

Binge-Eating Disorder: Characterized by a large consumption of food and a loss of control. Binge eaters will consume food very quickly, beyond the feeling of being full, when they are not hungry, in private, and end up feel ashamed or guilty afterwards.

While there are similarities between each of these eating disorders, they are each unique medical illnesses with distinct emotional, behavioral and physical consequences. Serious medical and psychosocial problems can also result from these disorders.

The starvation associated with anorexia can damage most organ systems of the body, leading to heart conditions, diabetes, anemia, osteopososis, changes in brain structure,  kidney failure and, in extreme cases, death.  Self-induced vomiting and laxative abuse  can lead to electrolyte imbalances, tearing the esophagus or rupturing the stomach, permanent loss of tooth enamel, and life-threatening irregularities of heart rhythm.

Eating disorder sufferers are liable to try to hide their behaviors. Skipped meals, secret eating, always having an excuse not to eat, becoming "disgusted" with former favorite foods, only eating a few "safe" foods, and unusual bathroom habits may be warning signs of an eating disorder in your child.

Fortunately, there is hope. Each of these eating disorders can be treated with lasting success. The earlier you have answers and support, the sooner you can help your child and keep the problem from escalating. This live, online Better Family University course will provide the answers and support you are seeking.

Eating disorders require professional help. This course provides parents with information, strategies and tactics for recognizing and getting treatment for this upsetting and potentially life-threatening problem. If you suspect that your child has an eating disorder, this course is intended to give you more insight into your child's behavior, but is not a substitute for individualized professional help.

Eating Disorders Can Be Deadly

Help Is Available

You Will Discover...

• How to recognize when your child has a problem
• When "dieting" becomes a disease
• The symptoms of each eating disorder
• Treatment strategies for different eating problems
• Specific intervention methods
• Medicinal and non-medicinal options for treatment
• The psychological, behavioral and physical problems associated with eating disorders
• What to do when eating routines are disrupted (holidays, travel, etc.)
• How to get help for your child and your family
• Treatment coverage to look for on your insurance policy

Eating disorders are real medical illnesses. They are not "all in his/her head." Eating disorders are also dangerous. Thankfully, effective treatments are available. Get the facts and options in this live, online Better Family University course.

You Will Be Able To...

• Recognize if your child has the symptoms of an eating disorder
• Find where to get more help if you feel your child has an eating disorder or other problem
• Nurture a healthy relationship between food and your child
• Prepare your child for eating outside of the home
• Implement specific techniques to help increase your child's positive body image
• Recognize potential risks in your home that can enable eating disorders
• Communicate effectively with teachers to gain their assistance at school
• Formulate a list of questions to bring with you on a visit to a professional
• Recognize harmful media and social situations that can trigger behaviors
• Collaborate effectively with a professional and get practical help for your child

Unlike a drug or alcohol problem, where part of the treatment is avoiding the substance altogether, your child still needs to eat. This makes it a lot harder for someone with an eating disorder to overcome it. This Better Family University course provides parents with a foundation of information and support to begin to deal with the thorny issue of eating disorders.

Eating Disorders will not "go away" if you ignore them. Begin your child's road to recovery by enrolling in this course now.

Who Should Enroll?

You - If you are a parent of a child age 8-18