The media has sensationalized the fact that society is fatter than ever. Teenagers are being pressured from parents, school, coaches and even the media to lose weight and live healthy. Not all weight loss is good, though. Sudden weight loss in teenagers can be alarming and should be confronted immediately.
Depression
Teenagers can become depressed over things that seem trivial to an adult. They may have done poorly on a test or had a fight with their best friend that day. If your teen starts losing weight rapidly, inquire about their daily activities. They may be having trouble in class or trouble with their friends. Encourage your teen to talk about his problems with you or another trusted adult. If your teen continues dropping weight and has any other signs of depression, make an appointment with your health care provider right away.
Stress
Stress can also cause teenagers to lose weight suddenly. Stress can come from school, parents, friends or even work. Teenagers that are involved in sports or clubs after school can get stressed out about having time to do their homework. They may forget to eat because they are so focused on trying to get everything done in order to maintain passing grades or to stay on the team. Make sure your teen has some quiet time to unwind every once in a while, even if it means having to drop out of an activity.
Alcohol or Drugs
Teenagers who are abusing alcohol or drugs can suddenly start to lose weight. Certain drugs act as appetite suppressants and they may be substituting drugs for meals. This presents all kinds of health problems and should be addressed with your child immediately. Establish rules and limits if you haven't already. Work with your child and let him know what behavior is acceptable and what is unacceptable. Be sure they know the consequences of alcohol and drug abuse. Visit a treatment center and let him speak with a counselor.
Eating Disorders
Anorexia has become almost trendy in teenage girls. Girls are not the only ones that can have eating disorders, though. Boys that feel pressure to look smaller may also resort to an eating disorder in order to . Eating disorders are not always about being skinny. They may feel that they are not in control of their lives and the only thing they have control over is their weight. Teens that drop weight fast and seem to never be around for a meal may have an eating disorder. They may become obsessed with how many calories are in certain foods or obsess about how much exercise they have to do to get rid of the calories they have eaten. Eating disorders can be deadly for teenagers. The lack of nutrition can strain vital organs and cause them to shut down.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is caused when the thyroid produces too much thyroxine. Teens who are dropping weight fast but seem to be healthy otherwise should have their thyroid levels checked by a doctor. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating, nervousness or irritability. Hyperthyroidism can be treated in most cases with anti-thyroid medicines. Surgery on, or removal of, the thyroid is sometimes necessary. The condition can be serious if left untreated, but most people recover fairly well with treatment.
Cancer
Cancer is a disease that can interrupt the way a teen's body absorbs nutrients. Teenagers that lose weight quickly but seem to be eating right and living a healthy lifestyle should have a full checkup with a health care provider. Sudden weight loss alone does not mean that your teen may have cancer; other signs of cancer include fatigue, sores or ulcers that will not go away, an unexplained pain or finding a lump in any area of the body. Take your teen to regular yearly checkups with a doctor so that any health issues can be addressed in a timely manner.
Manipulative Behavior
No one wants to think that his child may be manipulative. However, some teens do lead their parents to believe they are doing something to harm themselves even when they are not. A teen that loses weight to manipulate may want the attention from peers or parents. She may make you think that she has an eating disorder or is drinking alcohol so that you will focus your energy on her instead of work, the household or even her siblings. Encourage your teenager to communicate with you openly. Let her know that if she doesn't feel comfortable with you, she can talk to a school counselor or a trusted family member. Evaluate your family dynamic and see what you can do together as a family to open communication and make sure that each member feels valued.
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