Tap
To Call
(417) 934-1112

Whetstone Helps Boys with Bulimia Nervosa

Whetstone Boys Ranch wants you to know how to help your young teen boy who is dealing with Bulimia Nervosa, an eating disorder in which he cycles through periods of large food intake, alternating with fasting times.  Purging (through use of laxatives, enemas or self-induced vomiting) is frequent.  Bulimia is closely correlated with body dissatisfaction (and, while not unheard of with boys, is far more common in females).

Noteworthy symptoms and side effects include ulcers, constipation, tooth decay, dehydration and esophageal inflammation.  Because there is not usually a striking variation in total body weight, and your son may well be average or above average in weight, Bulimia is trickier to detect and diagnose than Anorexia.

Finding Help for Your Young Teen Boy with Bulimia Nervosa

Remedies are available, typically a combination of psychotherapy and (anti-depressant) medications.  Your son might find success in working with a dietician, too, to help establish healthier nutritional and eating routines.

As you might suppose, your teen will greatly profit from family support to help with the Bulimia Nervosa.  Whether the origin is hereditary or not, body image (often a distorted one) is at the core of this disorder. Alternating menus and family eating practices can go far towards encouraging healthy habits, reducing the odds of regression after Bulimia treatment has ended.

Untreated, Bulimia can progress into many different serious, even grave complications. Digestive problems include (from laxative abuse), gum disease, dehydration (possibly leading to kidney failure), depression, risky activities, and coronary problems (even heart failure).

Some studies show that boys both lose and gain weight faster than girls.  But whether it’s your son or daughter who is suffering with Bulimia, the faster the disorder is treated and the faster they get back to their normal growth curve, the better the long-term prognosis.  

Whetstone Boys Ranch is a therapeutic Christian school that serves struggling boys (ages 12-16) and their families. Here boys live, learn, work and grow as they experience essential individual, group and family therapy–plus excellent academics, exciting outdoor adventures, and useful hands-on tasks. We believe in sharpening the character of young men to become true servant-leaders in their families and communities.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17 NIV

Since 2011, Whetstone’s purpose centers on the reconciliation of boys and their families. Whetstone treats struggles such as anger, depression, low self-esteem and trauma with a loving, systems-based approach. And this comprehensive method of treatment and restoration sets us apart.

We want to help your boy with Bulimia Nervosa.
Please call us today. (417) 934-1112

 

MENU