How to Spot an Eating Disorder in a Teenager

Learn the warning signs of eating disorders in teens and when to seek professional help for your child.

1. Watch for Changes in Eating Patterns. Pay attention to how your teen's relationship with food shifts over time. Look for skipping meals regularly, making excuses to avoid family dinners, or suddenly cutting out entire food groups without medical reason. You might notice them eating unusually small portions, eating very slowly, or pushing food around their plate. On the flip side, some teens may eat large amounts of food quickly, then disappear to the bathroom. Also watch for rigid food rules, like only eating certain 'safe' foods, counting calories obsessively, or showing anxiety when their usual foods aren't available.
2. Notice Physical Changes and Health Symptoms. Eating disorders can cause noticeable physical changes. Watch for unexplained weight loss or gain, especially if it happens quickly. Your teen might complain of being cold all the time, even in warm weather, or you might notice their hair becoming thin or brittle. Look for cuts or calluses on their knuckles (from induced vomiting), dental problems, or frequent stomach complaints. Girls may experience irregular or missed periods. Some teens become very focused on exercising, sometimes to an extreme degree, or they may seem tired and weak more often than usual.
3. Pay Attention to Emotional and Social Changes. Eating disorders often come with emotional warning signs. Your teen might become withdrawn from family and friends, especially around meal times or social events involving food. Watch for increased anxiety, depression, or mood swings that seem tied to eating or body image. They may become overly critical of their appearance, spending excessive time looking in mirrors or avoiding them entirely. You might notice them wearing baggy clothes to hide their body, or becoming defensive or angry when you express concern about their eating habits.
4. Look for Secretive Behaviors Around Food. Teens with eating disorders often develop secretive habits around food. You might find food wrappers hidden in their room, notice food disappearing quickly from the kitchen, or discover they've been throwing away lunches you packed. Some teens will lie about what or when they've eaten, or make elaborate excuses about why they can't eat with the family. Pay attention if they suddenly start cooking elaborate meals for others but won't eat what they've made, or if they become very interested in nutrition or cooking shows but seem anxious about actually eating.
5. Trust Your Parental Instincts. If something feels off about your teen's relationship with food or their body, don't ignore that feeling. Even if you can't pinpoint exactly what's wrong, persistent worry about your teen's eating habits is worth exploring. Remember that eating disorders can affect teens of any size – you don't have to see dramatic weight loss to be concerned. Some teens maintain a normal weight while still having a serious eating disorder. Your teen might deny there's a problem or get angry when you bring up your concerns, but this doesn't mean your worries aren't valid.