Sharp Increase of Eating Disorders for Children Under 12

According to an Associated Press released today, eating disorders data is showing a sharp increase in children's hospitalizations.Hospitalizations of children younger than 12 with eating disorders surged 119 percent between 1999 and 2006. That's according to government data contained in an American Academy of Pediatrics report released online Monday.

It is very sad that kids in key years of development are being exposed to bad nutrition, affecting their growth permanently in many ways.

The academy says doctors can help prevent eating disorders by stressing proper nutrition and exercise to avoid an unhealthy focus on weight and dieting.

Source: AP, msnbc