Teenage years are a vulnerable time for developing unhealthy habits around food and body image. As a parent or caregiver, being aware of the warning signs of disordered eating in teenagers is important for getting them help early if needed. This article explores some of the key signs to look out for.
Changes in Eating Habits
As any eating disorder dietician knows, one of the most obvious potential signs of an eating disorder is a noticeable change in a teenager’s eating patterns or behaviours around food. For example, avoiding eating with the family, restricting the types or amounts of food they’ll eat, skipping meals, or hoarding food in their room can indicate a problem.
Teens with anorexia nervosa severely restrict calories and those with binge eating disorder may have episodes of uncontrolled eating. Purging behaviours like vomiting after meals, abusing laxatives or diet pills can occur in bulimia nervosa. Pay attention if your teen exhibits rigid, rule-based eating or a preoccupation with ‘healthy’ or ‘clean’ foods. An eating disorder nutritionist can help steer them back on the right track.
Fixation on Appearance
Teenagers with body dysmorphic disorder become obsessed over minute or imagined flaws in their appearance. Those with eating disorders often develop extreme dissatisfaction with their body shape or weight.
Listen for negative self-talk about weight or looks. Your teen may frequently weigh themselves, check their body in mirrors, or compare themselves to others. Notice if they try to camouflage their shape with baggy clothes.
Signs of Depression
Disordered eating habits sometimes overlap with other mental health issues like anxiety or depression. Signs like low mood, loss of interest in activities, reduced energy, difficulty concentrating, or social withdrawal may indicate a problem.
If you notice your teenager becoming more irritable, sensitive, or tearful, especially around mealtimes, it could relate to an eating disorder. Comments about feeling out of control, worthless, or hopeless are also causes for concern.
Withdrawal from Friends and Activities
Teenagers with eating disorders tend to isolate themselves more over time. You may notice your teen pulling away from friends and family or losing interest in hobbies they previously enjoyed. Declining invitations to go out or avoiding events with food involved can also be warning signs.
Your teen may claim they are too busy with schoolwork or other commitments when in reality they are rearranging their life to accommodate disordered eating habits. This social withdrawal is reason for worry.
Physical Health Changes
The behaviours associated with eating disorders can create a variety of physical health issues. Dramatic weight loss, fainting spells, lethargy, insomnia, sensitivity to cold temperatures, or hair loss can occur.
Gastrointestinal problems like constipation or acid reflux may develop in relation to purging behaviours or dietary changes. Loss of menstrual cycle in females, or disrupted puberty in younger teens, can result from malnutrition. Pay close attention to any worrying physical symptoms.
Spotting the warning signs early and having compassionate conversations is crucial for supporting a teenager who may be developing disordered eating habits. Do not be afraid to raise your concerns and seek professional help if needed. With the right support, unhealthy attitudes and behaviours can be overcome.