The Hidden Toll of Military Service: Eating Disorders in Children of Service Members

Children of military personnel are three times more likely to develop an eating disorder than their civilian counterparts. This startling statistic is particularly troubling, especially given the rising incidence rates in recent years.

Many misunderstandings and stigma surround eating disorders, leaving military kids and their families in limbo, with little to no support, and uncertain about where to seek treatment. This adds additional stress that no family should have to endure.

Why are these numbers increasing? What specific challenges within our military community contribute to the high prevalence of eating disorders? And how can we support these children and their families?

Contributing Factors

Military children are at an increased risk of developing an eating disorder. In fact, from 2016 to 2021, the incidence rates of eating disorders increased by nearly 65%. That’s 2,534 children diagnosed with an eating disorder, with the majority being adolescent girls.

There are three factors contributing to the rise in these numbers.

1. Military dependents face additional stressors that may facilitate the development of an eating disorder, such as frequent relocations, a parent’s long working hours, and deployments.

2. Fitness culture in the military is another significant factor. Kids notice more than we realize. When a service member prepares for the PRT and engages in unhealthy behaviors to lose weight, such as laxative abuse, severe caloric restriction, or excessive exercise, they may also speak negatively about their bodies. Children observe these behaviors and may potentially imitate them.

3. Disordered eating behaviors are common in society, and many may assume that these practices are healthy. Activities such as fasting, skipping meals, counting calories, excessive exercise, and misusing supplements are often regarded as acceptable behaviors. What you might not realize is how quickly a simple diet or disordered eating can spiral out of control and lead to an eating disorder.

Warning Signs

“Eating disorders are behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions.” It affects all areas of a person’s life, not just eating.

There are many different types of eating disorders; the two most people are familiar with are bulimia and anorexia. Despite the differences, there are common warning signs caregivers and medical professionals should be on the lookout for:

· Restrictive eating

· Sudden changes in eating habits

· Excessive exercise

· Food rituals

· Fatigue

· Sudden weight loss

· Withdrawn behavior

· Hair loss or thinning hair

· Constantly being cold

· Avoiding certain foods

· Forced vomiting after eating or laxative use

· Sudden changes in mood

Resources

Fortunately, help is available.

From support groups to inpatient facilities, there are options for everyone, some of which are even covered by TRICARE. An updated list of resources can be found on our SEA WAVES website.

A great place to start is Military OneSource, a free resource provided by the Department of Defense that addresses a wide range of issues, including mental health and financial management.

The National Alliance for Eating Disorders, ANAD, and Project HEAL are three highly respected leaders in the eating disorder community. They offer various support groups, clinical assessments, and valuable resources to support your recovery.

Words of Support

I want to take a moment to personally address any military child who is struggling with an eating disorder.

First of all, I’m sorry.

I’m sorry you are living with an eating disorder day in and day out. It’s exhausting. Your eating disorder (or ED, as I like to call it) doesn’t take a day off, and you’re physically, mentally, and emotionally drained at the end of every day.

I want you to remember that you are not your eating disorder; you are so much more than it. You have hopes, dreams, goals, and a life to live that does not include ED.

Please know that progress isn’t linear. There will be rough days ahead without a doubt, days when ED’s voice is louder and harsher, and you wonder if you’ll get through it. But you will. And every year that passes, you get stronger, and ED gets weaker.

Your experiences in recovery, whatever they may be, will ultimately shape the person you become. You will become more resilient and determined in your resolve, able to face any challenge life throws at you.

It’s a daily fight, but I promise you it’s a fight worth fighting.

To the parents and caregivers:

Know that you are stronger than ED.

Know there are days when your child will fight and days when they give in, but you cannot give in. You must fight even harder on those days because you cannot let ED win.

Your support and love mean more than you or your child can comprehend, and you probably won’t realize how much until years later.

It’s a challenging journey, so be sure to take care of yourself as well, whether that’s through your favorite hobby or a form of self-care. You are important.

Don’t let ED win.