Eating Disorders · Texas behavioral health news
Anorexia Can Strike and Kill as Early as Kindergarten - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Eating Disorders (Google News) · February 11, 2026
In plain language
Anorexia nervosa can affect children as young as kindergarten, though it often looks different than it does in adults. Young children may not express a fear of being fat, but instead simply stop eating or exercise compulsively. Experts explain that these eating disorders are chronic brain disorders, not the result of parenting or media influence. Early diagnosis and weight restoration are critical for recovery, as starvation affects every organ, including the developing brain.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- Hospitalization rates for eating disorders in young children rose 72 percent between 1999 and 2009.
- Young children with anorexia may refuse to eat without being able to explain why.
- Eating disorders are highly heritable brain disorders and are not caused by parents or fashion magazines.
- Physical signs in children can include dizziness, itchy skin, constipation, and a lack of weight gain.
- Family-based therapy where parents manage their child's eating is a key part of successful treatment.
- Early intervention is vital because the mortality rate for eating disorders is the highest of any psychiatric illness.
Anorexia Can Strike and Kill as Early as Kindergarten ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
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