Signs and Support for Eating Disorders in Teenagers
If you are concerned that your teenager has or may be developing an eating disorder, here are some key signs to look out for and resources for further support.
Disclaimer: The information below is not intended as medical advice and is only intended to offer points you may wish to consider in 'non-emergency situations', along with guidance on where to find additional support. You should consult an appropriate medical professional if you have concerns about your or a loved one's health. Dial 999 in an emergency if someone is in a life-threatening condition.
Eating disorders can occur at any age, but are particularly prevalent in younger people. A teen's attitude towards eating can be shaped by a number of factors. Contributors can range from emotional stress, self-esteem, peer pressure, social media, social trends, and more. Eating patterns are often established during adolescence, so if you ever have any concerns about your teen's behaviour around food, it should be taken seriously.
Key signs to look out for
As a working parent, it's easy to miss subtle changes in your teenager's behaviour, especially when life is hectic. The behaviours listed below don't necessarily mean your child has an eating disorder, but if you notice three or more of these signs, it could indicate an underlying issue worth exploring. It's also important to remember that many young people with eating disorders are likely to try and hide it at first, too.
- Rapid weight loss or gain
A dramatic shift in weight, up or down and in a short space of time, could be an indicator. Along with anorexia, eating disorders include Binge Eating Disorder, Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), or Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED). - Compulsive or obsessive exercise
Staying healthy is good, but even athletes have rest days to avoid overwork and injury. Obsessive exercise could be exercising more than once a day, to exhaustion or religiously after they've eaten food. Their mood may plummet if their schedule means they can't fit it in. - Irregular habits around food
This can include eating food very quickly or very slowly, lying about what they've eaten and how much, going to the bathroom straight after eating, cutting food into very small pieces, and avoiding eating with others. A key thing to bear in mind with these behaviours is consistency - a singular occurrence doesn't automatically mean there's something to worry about. - Physical symptoms associated with eating disorders
Eating disorders often present physical challenges like exhaustion, stomach pains, feeling cold even when it's warm, bad breath, dizziness or feeling faint, dry skin or hair, and fine hair on the body (lanugo). In women, eating disorders can also cause menstrual irregularities. - Engaging with pro-eating disorder (proED) groups
Teenagers' use of social media and the internet can draw them into 'pro-ana' or 'pro-mia' (pro-anorexia and pro-bulimia) groups. These communities promote eating disorders as a lifestyle choice, with members encouraging each other by sharing 'thinspiration' photos of celebrity role models and dangerous mantras about food.
How to support your loved one
Treating an eating disorder is complex, although an early intervention can aid recovery. UK charities that treat eating disorders also support sufferers with their mental health, as their actions and physical symptoms are usually a manifestation of poor mental health.
Speaking to your teen may be a good place to start. Eating disorders thrive on secrecy, so getting things out in the open can pave the way towards recovery.
- Sit down with your teenager somewhere you won't be disturbed and at a time when neither of you are angry or upset.
- Mention some things that have been concerning you, but don't make the conversation about food/weight, as eating disorders are often a result of how the person is feeling rather than how they treat food.
- Use 'I' phrases rather than 'You' phrases, such as, 'I wondered if you'd like to talk about how you've been feeling.' This helps your loved one not to feel as though you are being accusatory.
You can also consult your GP. Treatment for eating disorders ranges from behavioural therapy, dietary control, individual and family therapy.
The tips above are from BeatEatingDisorders.org.uk. Please look at their Supporting Someone page for more advice on supporting loved ones through recovery.
Seek support for yourself
It is important to remember that parents are not the cause of eating disorders. It's not possible to pinpoint what triggers an eating disorder but there is a common theme linking low self-esteem with eating disorders. Reach out to friends, family and healthcare services for support, and talk to others if you need help. Supporting your child means supporting yourself too.
Further support
Information, support and advice for recovery can be found at the various websites below.