Children as young as elementary age are being taught about health and fitness in school. They participate in a class that teaches the children how to make better food choices. They are taught the importance of being physically active and the importance of daily exercise.

This can be a double edged sword. Many variables can play into this, how are the family dynamics? Does the child have a good self-image? How is the self esteem of the young person hearing this message? Eating disorders can begin at elementary age.

The role models that the children look up to may exhibit poor food choices. Depending on the individual it can be over eating it can be under eating. Food as many people are aware can be comforting and food gives an instant reward. If a person is looking for instant gratification it will be found with food.

As with everything in life food can be used for the good it was designed for to fuel the body to run efficiently, or it can be misused and turn against the individual and eating disorders can be established. Balance is the key to all life situations. If children can be taught early on in life in a positive way how to prevent troubles later in life then terrific.

What happens when the focus is put on the negative side and the children are counting calories and not eating because they ate too much. Eating disorders don’t just occur out of the blue. Educating the children is powerful allowing them to make choices is empowering. How can an individual know if eating disorders exist take an eating disorder quiz, it can help put things in perspective.