How to tell if your child has an eating disorder
As a parent, suspecting your child may have an eating disorder can bring a sense of anxiety, worry, and confusion. It's natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next, but remember: you're not alone. There is a wealth of support available, and eating disorders are highly treatable with the right guidance. With early intervention and the right care, most individuals recover.
Being able to recognise the early signs of an eating disorder and seek support early can make all the difference in achieving a full and quick recovery. Of course we know that eating disorders are not just about food - they can deeply affect your child’s emotions, their perception of themselves and their everyday life - from social relationships to engagement with school and hobbies. It is vital therefore to look at the whole picture of what your child is experiencing, not just at what they are (or aren't) eating. In this guide, we’ll outline some of the main warning signs that your child may be struggling with their relationship with food.
What Is an Eating Disorder?
Eating disorders are characterised by unhealthy behaviours and thoughts surrounding food, eating, and body image. While they affect people of all ages, children and adolescents may be particularly vulnerable due to developmental, psychological, and social influences that are present at this stage of life. There are a number of different eating disorders - some of the most common being:
Anorexia Nervosa - Involves extreme food restriction, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image.
Bulimia Nervosa - Characterised by cycles of binge eating followed by purging through vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise.
Binge Eating Disorder - Involves episodes of consuming large quantities of food in a short period, often leading to feelings of distress and guilt.
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder - failing to meet nutritional needs due to aspects such as sensory sensitivities related to food types, a fear of unwanted consequences associated with eating such as illness or choking, or a lack of interest in food.
Risk Factors and Triggers for developing an eating disorder
There is no single risk factor for developing an eating disorder - eating disorders are unique to each individual and like all mental health conditions they usually develop in a ‘perfect storm’ of genetic, temperamental, developmental, social and environmental factors. What this means is that there is no one thing that you could have done, or done differently, to prevent your child developing an eating disorder. It also means that there is no stereotype - no-one is immune from an eating disorder.
Early Intervention refers to the early detection and treatment of an eating disorder - noticing the warning signs early and seeking help early. Research shows that early intervention can help prevent an eating disorder from becoming entrenched, and therefore harder to treat.. However, early detection may not be as easy as it sounds - partly because eating disorders take on a variety of different forms and symptoms can vary hugely from one child to another. Secondly, especially in the early stages of an illness, children may go to great efforts to hide the signs of their eating disorder from close others.
Recognising the Physical Signs of an Eating Disorder in your Child
Physical changes may be one of the first signs of a problem with food. While physical changes alone do not confirm that someone has an eating disorder, they can be important to notice, especially when they are combined with other emotional, psychological or behavioural changes.
Sudden or drastic weight loss or weight gain.
Looking increasingly pale or unwell, including symptoms like dry skin, brittle nails or thinning hair.
Persistent fatigue, dizziness, or fainting spells
Sensitivity to cold, leading to excessive layering of clothing, complaining about feeling cold when others aren't.
Digestive issues such as constipation or bloating, complaining of gastro issues or tummy pains.
Possible Behavioural Signs of an Eating Disorder in Your Child
Children and teenagers struggling with an eating disorder may exhibit noticeable changes in their eating habits and their behaviours around food.
Changes in Eating Habits, including skipping meals, refusing previously enjoyed foods, avoiding entire food groups, fixating on the nutritional or calorie content of food, eating in secret or hiding food. A tell tale sign of bingeing may be noticing an unusual amount of food missing from the cupboards or fridge, or finding lots of food wrappers hidden in the bin or in your child's bedroom.
Exercise Patterns may also change during the onset of an eating disorder - noticing that your child prioritises exercise over other events or commitments, exercises despite feeling ill or being injured, or exercises in secret or at unusual times for example exercising in their bedroom late at night
Secretive Behaviour can also be really common in an eating disorder. Avoiding meals with family or friends, displaying reluctance to eat in front of others, or spending large amounts of time in the bathroom straight after meals can all be warning signs.
Emotional and Psychological Changes Associated with an Eating Disorder
Eating disorders do not only affect the body but also deeply impact emotions and mental health. Parents might notice the following changes in their child's mood or self attitude during the onset of an eating disorder.
Mood Swings and Irritability: Sudden shifts in mood, beyond what might be ‘normal’ during teenage years. Emotions might be particularly heightened around mealtimes.
Changing Self-Esteem. Eating disorders are often linked to low self esteem or reduced confidence. Conversely; confidence increasing significantly as eating or weight changes, can all be warning signs.
Intense focus on weight and appearance - noticing that your child places a concerning amount of focus or preoccupation on their weight or appearance can be a warning sign - things like frequent mirror checking, lots of comparisons with others, frequent critical remarks about their own appearance can be signs they are becoming more preoccupied with their appearance.
Anxiety about, or preoccupation with food: Extreme distress or anxiety when discussing food or eating, excessive preoccupation around meal choices such as lots of questioning around ingredients or meal times can be a sign of preoccupation. Distress or concern over changes to eating habits such as eating out or planning larger meals.
Signs of Depression or Anxiety: Increased withdrawal from social activities, loss of interest in hobbies, or heightened emotional distress can all be signs that your child is struggling, and when combined with noticeable changes around food may indicate a developing eating disorder.
Recognising the signs of an eating disorder in your child is a challenging and emotional process, but early intervention is key to recovery. As a parent, your role in observing changes, providing unwavering support, and seeking professional help is vital. Eating disorders are complex, and addressing them requires compassion, understanding, and patience. Remember, you are not alone in this journey—there are many resources and professionals ready to guide both you and your child through recovery. If you are worried about any of the signs mentioned in this guide, don't hesitate to reach out for support. Early intervention can make all the difference.
The London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image is one of very few private outpatient clinics specialising in the treatment of eating disorders and body image distress. We believe that it’s crucial to find not only the right clinician but also the right treatment for your child. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide highly specialist, holistic and effective evidence-based treatments for all of our clients.
For more information or to book an appointment with a specialist, visit The London Centre.