Eating Disorder Warning Signs to Look out for in Your Teen

If you are a parent of a teen or a professional who works with teens, then this is for you.

It can be very hard to recognize eating issues in children, because usually, they try to hide it. They may feel ashamed, embarrassed, or uninterested in help.

As an eating disorder specialist, I often see cases of teens that have been suffering for months in silence, and nobody knows! That’s why, I suggest to all parents to look out for the following red flags, so that the eating issue doesn’t get swept under the table.

Here are warning signs that you should look out for:

1. Making excuses to avoid eating, or skipping meals

2. Trying out different diets

3. Over-exercising

4. Secretly storing food or eating alone, particularly at night

5. Overly concerned about their appearance

6. Compulsive use of appetite suppressors- gum chewing, drinking coffee.

7. An intense, obsessive focus on calories and caloric intake

8. An unwillingness to discuss weight gains or weight losses

9. Resistance to joining social situations where eating is expected

10. Extended bathroom use during or right after meals

11. Obsessed with food activities- cooking, grocery shopping, watching food preparing/ eating videos, reading cookbooks.

12. Physical signs- loss of period, hair loss, digestive issues, feeling cold, weakness, dizziness.

13. Change in personality- irritable, anxious, depressed.

If you notice any of these signs in your child, or you feel something is up, here’s what you should do: 1. Take your child to be checked by their family doctor and get the following checked:

-weight

-vitals

-blood test

2. Reach out to a clinical dietitian with a specialty in ED treatment. Going to a professional without a specialty in the field may be harmful.

You wouldn’t go to your dentist for a broken foot. 3. Speak to your child and show them that you are concerned. They may tell you that you are crazy, but that’s okay. Deep inside, they appreciate your concern. And most important, if your parenting instincts tell you that something is up, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Because you are probably right!

Send this to a friend that has a teen who may be struggling.

And if you're still not sure if your child needs help?

That’s okay, you don’t need to make an assessment.

That's my job.

Share any concerns in a free 15 minute consultation call

And get clear about if your child needs help.

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Nava Ratzon R.D.

Eating disorder specialist