Influences of disordered eating in prepubescent children

Research has indicated that children as young as age 5 begin to demonstrate preoccupation with body image and weight, with the desire to be thin. Much of this preoccupation is influenced by increased public awareness of the obesity epidemic, which in turn has placed extreme pressures on school-age children, often leading to prejudices about shape and weight. This negative interaction can lead to a fear of being fat and gaining weight that develops into low self-esteem and eating disorders. An extensive amount of research has investigated the influences of eating disorders among adolescent children, but little has covered this health threat involving prepubescent children. This article explores the relationship between eating disorders, prepubescent children, and various influences.