Semesur Assistance - Eating Disorders in Young People: Risks, Warning Signs and Key Points

Eating disorders (EDs) represent one of the main mental health problems among children, adolescents and young adults. Their impact goes far beyond eating habits: they affect physical health, emotional well-being, social relationships and personal development. Detecting them early and promoting proper prevention can make the difference between an early recovery and serious long-term consequences.

Eating Disorders in Young People: Risks, Warning Signs and Prevention Keys

At SEMESUR ASSISTANCE, we want to provide clear and reliable information to help understand, prevent and respond to these disorders.

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are serious and persistent alterations in the relationship with food, weight and body image, accompanied by significant psychological distress. They are not simply “habits” or temporary phases, but complex illnesses that require professional support.

The most common eating disorders among young people include:

Anorexia nervosa: extreme restriction of food intake and an intense fear of gaining weight.
Bulimia nervosa: episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours such as vomiting or the use of laxatives.
Binge eating disorder: excessive food consumption accompanied by a feeling of loss of control, without compensatory behaviours.
Other unspecified eating disorders, which are increasingly common and often difficult to identify.

Why do they particularly affect young people?

Adolescence and young adulthood are stages of high emotional vulnerability, marked by physical, hormonal and social changes. Some factors that can increase the risk include:

Social and cultural pressure to achieve an unrealistic beauty ideal.
Intensive use of social media and constant comparison.
Low self-esteem and difficulties with personal identity.
Extreme perfectionism and self-demand.
Bullying or negative comments about body image.
Lack of emotional and nutritional education.

These factors do not act alone; they usually combine and reinforce each other.

Risks to physical and mental health

Eating disorders can have serious consequences, and in some cases can even be life-threatening if they are not properly treated.

Physical risks

Malnutrition and electrolyte imbalances.
Heart problems and low blood pressure.
Digestive and metabolic complications.
Hormonal alterations and delayed development.
Weakening of the immune system.
In extreme cases, risk to life.

Psychological and social risks

Anxiety and depression.
Social isolation.
Mood disturbances.
Loss of concentration and reduced academic performance.
Self-harming behaviours in some cases.

Warning signs to watch for

Early detection of an eating disorder is essential. Some common warning signs include:

Sudden changes in weight or eating habits.
Avoiding eating in public or with family members.
Obsession with calories, diets or exercise.
Frequently going to the bathroom after meals.
Constant negative comments about one’s own body.
Irritability, sadness or social withdrawal.

If there is any suspicion, it should not be minimised or left to “resolve itself”.

Prevention: the key role of family, school and society

Preventing eating disorders is a shared responsibility.

Within the family environment

Encourage a healthy relationship with food, avoiding extreme restrictions.
Avoid comments about weight or physical appearance.
Promote self-esteem based on personal values rather than appearance.
Maintain open and empathetic communication.

In the educational environment

Include emotional and nutritional education.
Encourage critical thinking about messages spread on social media.
Identify and act upon early warning signs.

At a social level

Challenge unrealistic beauty standards.
Promote body diversity.
Recognise mental health as an essential part of overall well-being.

The importance of professional intervention

Treatment for eating disorders should be multidisciplinary, combining psychological, medical and nutritional care. The earlier the intervention begins, the better the prognosis.

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but an act of responsibility and self-care.

SEMESUR ASSISTANCE’s commitment to comprehensive health

At SEMESUR ASSISTANCE, we firmly believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, especially during the most sensitive stages of development. Providing information, prevention and support are fundamental pillars in protecting the well-being of young people and their families.

Talking about eating disorders, breaking the stigma and acting in time saves lives.