Eating disorders are commonly thought of as a "girls only" problem. Yet some experts have become increasingly concerned about boys — particularly adolescent boys — who are at risk for unhealthy eating patterns, or who have eating disorders.

Anorexia and bulimia affect teenage boys as well as teenage girls. Anorexia occurs when an individual loses a significant amount of weight, even though he or she is already at a normal body weight, or even underweight. Strict dieting, excessive exercise and frequent weigh-ins are characteristic of anorexia. Bulimia involves a binge/purge cycle that takes place repeatedly over time. After rapidly eating large volumes of high calorie foods during the bingeing stage, a person purges by vomiting or using laxatives.

WARNING SIGNS

• Extreme concern for body weight or shape

• Eating secretively and lying about food consumption

• Refusing meals with family, or avoiding social situations involving food

• Engaging in eating and food rituals, such as eating only very specific foods

• Exercising compulsively and becoming upset when a workout is missed

Boys may be more likely to use steroids and over-the-counter muscle enhancers in an effort to attain a muscular, V-shaped body. Boys who participate in sports that require frequent weigh-ins are also at greater risk for eating disorders.

GETTING HELP

Professional consultation is necessary for eating disorders. In advanced stages, some eating disorders can be life-threatening. An evaluation by a pediatrician or primary care physician is the first step in getting help for an eating disorder. If treatment is deemed appropriate by the physician, medical and mental health professionals skilled in the treatment of eating disorders need to be involved in working towards recovery.

TALKING WITH THE TEEN

Discuss behaviors you have noticed, such as skipping meals or spending extremely long hours at the gym.

AVOID FOCUSING ON APPEARANCE

Don't accuse, threaten or argue. Rather, take the time to listen and reflect.

Be sure to let your son know that you are having this conversation with him because you love, support and care for him, and want him to be as healthy and happy as possible.

Make it a goal to agree to see his doctor for a professional opinion.

Don't give up if he denies a problem or won't talk about it — that's not unusual. Stay calm, and try again soon.

Studies show that about one million males in the United States suffer from eating disorders. This information, coupled with the fact that the peak onset years for eating disorders are 14 to 18 in boys and girls, highlights the importance of parental awareness. Parents are likely to be familiar with a son's eating habits and lifestyle, and they should not dismiss the possibility of an eating disorder simply because of his gender.

Shera Kafka is a parent education specialist at St. Louis Children's Hospital's help line for parents of teens. The teen help line number is 314-454-8336.