Dieting to Excess

There are probably as many reasons why teens begin to diet, as there are methods to diet. Maintaining an appropriate body weight is an admirable goal for anyone. But, the problem that often crops up among teens who diet is that they sometimes use extreme measures to achieve weight loss and many times have unrealistic body images. Fasting or skipping meals, following the latest fad diets, taking diet or "water" pills (diuretics) or exercising fanatically are not safe nor even the most effective methods for losing body fat. What's more, teens often fail to see that achieving a more healthful and attractive physique is not measured solely by numbers on a scale. "If a teen wants to lose weight, he or she should look to the Food Guide Pyramid for guidance. Choosing more of the lower-fat options from the grains, fruit, vegetable and protein groups of the Pyramid will provide the energy and nutrients teens need without extra calories," advised Ms. Rarback. "Even more essential is to get moving. Physical activity helps with weight, mood and energy level, which are all important."

When dieting leads to an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating, the health consequences-physical and psychological-can be devastating. The American Psychiatric Association estimates that eating disorders affect between one and four percent of adolescents and young adults. Yet, eating disorders are not triggered solely by the desire to be thin, according to Amy Tuttle, R.D., L.S.W., a nutrition therapist at The Renfrew Center in Philadelphia. "Certain family dynamics along with the challenge of developing a separate self identity contribute to disordered eating," says Ms. Tuttle.