Reader's Digest magazine published in its Asian edition a report highlighting a number of phrases that parents should avoid because they may cause what is known as "eating disorders" in children.
The magazine said in its report, that some of the observations that parents give to their children regarding eating and weight may negatively affect their desire to eat and pose a great threat to their health.
The magazine confirms that these disturbances have become widespread in various countries and among all races and races.
Dr Nancy Dodson, a specialist in adolescent medicine, says she "treated serious eating disorders in boys, children from low-income families, children from recent immigrants and first-generation immigrants. Eating disorders also include children of different weights, including those with an index." High or normal body mass. "
The magazine quotes Dr. Tracy Richmond, director of the eating disorder program at Boston Children's Hospital, as saying, "Children do not have the ability to take a clear approach to healthy eating, so when a doctor or family member sends them a message that they are overweight, or that their way of eating Not suitable, they tend to follow extremist behavior. "
Eating disorder and disturbed eating
The magazine explains that there is a difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating, as those who suffer from eating disorders, such as anorexia or compulsive eating disorder, think about food for them becomes stressful, and this can cause inability to perform some daily tasks, and the effect On focus, sleep and mental health.
Disordered eating is not considered a disease, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in the United States. Rather, it is just a phrase used to describe irregular eating behaviors that could eventually lead to an eating disorder.
Common signs and symptoms of disturbed eating include frequent dieting, feelings of guilt associated with eating, and excessive concern for food, weight and body shape. In general, disordered eating habits are similar to those of an eating disorder, but are less severe.
In order to help children eat well and avoid unhealthy eating behaviors, experts recommend a thoughtful approach when it comes to talking about meals and weight, and avoiding certain phrases that may lead to disastrous results.
"I am watching my weight"
A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health shows that when a mother talks about her weight in front of her daughter, it may greatly increase the likelihood that the daughter will resort to harsh and unhealthy methods of weight control, or to overeat.
And the supervisor of the study author, Dr. Diane Nomark Steiner, head of the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health at the University of Minnesota, confirms that children may, in order to control their weight, fast, take diet pills, self-vomit, and use diuretic drugs.
"Your appetite is open"
According to a study published in 2018 in the journal Pediatrics, some parents believe that placing some blame on a child for his or her weight may direct their attention to the need to change their eating and weight loss behavior, but the effect may be completely opposite. When parents make such observations, they may unintentionally push the child into overeating, and the child may feel dissatisfied with his body.
Parents may also open the door in this way for siblings, extended family members, and even friends, to make similar opinions and comments that the child may be upset about.
Therefore, it is best to exercise caution and make a great effort to avoid negative comments about how much your child is eating, and to encourage him to do an outdoor activity instead of sitting at the computer.
"Looks like you have gained weight."
"It's common in today's world where parents try to do their best to improve their children's health for them to feel how important it is to talk to children about their weight," says Jerica Berg, a professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Minnesota. Unintended negative. "
According to research by Berg and published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine, children whose parents tend to talk to them about weight, height, or stature are more likely to adopt disruptive eating behaviors, being overweight or obese, suffering from depression and other psychological problems.
Berg adds that, "Parents should talk to children about health in general and not about weight, and turn it into a kind of collective commitment to a healthy eating regimen. For example, a parent might say that" our family wants to follow a healthy diet so that we all enjoy. " Strong bones and muscles, "or saying that" eating fruits and vegetables helps revitalize the body. "
Let's follow a group diet
Dr. Berg notes, "Studies have revealed that girls or boys who are encouraged by their parents to follow a diet are at increased risk of disruptive eating behaviors and being overweight or obese. This may persist even after 15 years and may be passed on from generation to generation."
Berg believes that the most effective way to support a child who has difficulty controlling weight is for the entire family to adhere to healthy eating habits and exercise regularly, rather than following a common diet.
"The doctor says you have gained weight."
Pediatricians are keen to determine high BMI - a measurement of body fat based on height and weight - so they are likely to leave notes to parents about the risks of being overweight or obese. It is likely that these negative remarks may harm your child psychologically and lead to disordered eating habits, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
According to Dr. Richmond, the child may accept the idea of reducing eating to reach the ideal weight, in compliance with the doctor’s instructions, but strict rules for reducing weight may have some negative repercussions on his health.
To protect your child from side effects, consider telling the doctor ahead of time that you prefer to address the matter without having to restrict the child's behavior.
In order to achieve the goal, the family must follow some healthy habits such as eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts and beans, limiting sugar-sweetened drinks, and engaging in physical activities.
I hope you can control yourself
If a relative or friend follows a strict weight-loss diet, or suffers from loss of appetite, it is important to explain to your child that this is unhealthy and has serious consequences, not to praise him.
"Food should be a source of happiness and joy for children," says Dr. Dodson. "Parents should make sure that eating is as stress-free as possible, and move away from observations about calories and self-control."
That's why it is adviced to open a good topic during mealtime.