Teens turning to diet pills

Eating disorders — a serious health problem affecting many young women today — have made headlines again in recent months after many top fashion designers refused to use models who are underweight, thereby hoping to improve body-image concerns for everyday women.

While efforts like these do help the fight against eating disorders, a new study reveals that young women are turning to diet pills as another quick weight-loss alternative.

According to Project EAT (Eating Among Teens) at the University of Minnesota, the number of high-school females using diet pills has doubled, now reaching more than 14 percent. The study goes on to reveal that by the age of 19, 20 percent of women have used diet pills.

“These numbers are startling, and they tell us we need to do a better job of helping our daughters feel better about themselves and avoid unhealthy weight-control behaviors,” said Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, UM professor and study researcher.

Additionally, Neumark-Sztainer’s study found that 62.7 percent of teenage females use unhealthy weight-control behaviors, which include the use of diet pills as well as taking laxatives, vomiting or skipping meals.

If you are a mother of a teenage daughter, pay careful attention to your daughter’s eating habits, particularly if she is losing weight quickly. Young women who turn to these risky weight-control behaviors are actually more likely to become overweight, so talk to your daughter about the dangers of any get-thin-quick weight-loss plan.

“Also, encourage your daughter to exercise regularly. Teen women only get about 3.2 hours of physical activity a week, which is significantly less exercise than they need.

Finally, remember that your involvement in your daughter’s life can improve her overall health.