Identifying and Managing Eating Disorders in Young People

A Practical Guide for Parents

June 2nd is World Eating Disorders Day, an important day to raise a difficult but important topic for many parents. As a parent, it’s natural to want the best for your child’s physical and emotional wellbeing. But what happens when something as essential as food becomes a source of anxiety, secrecy, or conflict?

Eating disorders in young people are more common than many realise. According to recent research, the rates of disordered eating behaviours are rising among children and adolescents. These conditions are serious, but with early identification and the right support, recovery is absolutely possible.

Here’s what every parent needs to know — including practical tips for recognising the warning signs and helping your child through recovery.

What Are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that involve unhealthy relationships with food, body image, and self-worth. The most common types include:

• Anorexia Nervosa – Severe restriction of food intake, often with intense fear of gaining weight.

• Bulimia Nervosa – Cycles of binge eating followed by purging through vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise.

• Binge Eating Disorder – Repeated episodes of eating large amounts of food without purging, often accompanied by feelings of shame.

• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) – Extreme picky eating not linked to body image concerns but can result in significant weight loss or nutritional deficiencies.

  
  

Early Warning Signs to Look For

Eating disorders don’t always show up in obvious ways. Here are subtle and overt signs to watch for:

Behavioural Signs:

• Skipping meals or making excuses not to eat

• Cutting out entire food groups (e.g. carbs, fats)

• Cooking for others but not eating themselves

• Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals

• Obsessive interest in calorie counts, dieting, or "clean eating"

• Withdrawal from social situations involving food

  
  

Emotional and Psychological Signs:

• Sudden mood swings, irritability, or depression

• Perfectionism or high anxiety, especially around school or body image

• Low self-esteem or excessive guilt about eating

• Denial of hunger or minimising food intake

  
  

Physical Signs:

• Noticeable weight loss or gain

• Complaints of dizziness, feeling cold, or fatigue

• Changes in menstruation (for girls) - eg irregular or absent periods

• Dry skin, brittle nails, or hair thinning

  
  

What Parents Can Do: Practical Tips

Start With Compassionate Conversations

• If you’re concerned, approach your child gently. Try something like: “I’ve noticed you haven’t been eating much lately and you seem a bit down. I’m here for you if there’s anything you want to talk about.”

• Avoid accusations or making it about appearance.

• Focus on emotions, not food.

• Be patient — your child may deny or resist at first.

  
  

Avoid Making Food a Battleground

Pushing, bribing, or forcing a child to eat often backfires. Instead:

• Offer regular meals and snacks without pressure.

• Eat together as a family as often as possible.

• Model a balanced, relaxed approach to food.

  
  

Keep Language Body-Positive

Avoid comments about weight, dieting, or "good" vs. "bad" foods. Instead:

• Compliment your child on non-appearance traits like kindness, resilience, or effort.

• Talk about what the body can do, not how it looks.

  
  

Monitor Social Media Influences

Many young people are exposed to harmful body ideals online.

• Encourage a critical view of social media.

• Help them follow accounts that promote body diversity and mental health.

• Set limits if necessary, but always explain why.

  
  

Create a Safe, Open Family Culture

Children are more likely to open up if they feel safe. Foster this by:

• Checking in regularly, not just about food but emotions and stress.

• Encouraging expression through journaling, art, or movement.

• Making mental health a normal topic in the home.

  
  

When and How to Seek Help

Early intervention is crucial. If you think your child is displaying signs of an eating disorder:

• Book an appointment with your child's doctor: Ask for a physical exam and mental health assessment.

• Request a referral to a specialist: Eating disorder services often include dietitians, psychologists, and paediatricians.

• Get support for yourself too: It’s emotionally taxing to care for a child with an eating disorder. Parent support groups can be invaluable.

  
  

In the UK, services like BEAT Eating Disorders (www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk) offer helplines, resources, and guidance. Many other countries have similar support networks.

What Recovery Looks Like

Recovery is not linear — there may be setbacks along the way. But with professional support and consistent family involvement, many young people fully recover and go on to live happy, healthy lives.

Encouraging Signs of Recovery

• Eating more regularly and with less anxiety

• Reconnecting with friends and hobbies

• Reduced preoccupation with weight or food

• Improved mood and energy

  
  

Final Thoughts for Parents

It’s not your fault. Eating disorders arise from a mix of genetic, psychological, and social factors. Your role isn’t to fix it alone — it’s to offer support, seek expert help, and walk alongside your child every step of the way. With love, understanding, and the right interventions, healing is not just possible — it’s likely.

Need More Help?

• BEAT Helpline (UK): https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/

• National Eating Disorders Association (USA): www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

Be well,

Paula

Dr  Paula Robertson is a busy mom and a paediatrician with over twenty years' experience working with young people and their families. She is also a certified children's mindfulness teacher and Positive Discipline Parenting

coach. You can find out more at www.paulathedoctormom.com.

Our AI wellness assistant has contributed to the writing of this article