Worried about your teen’s eating habits or body image? Learn the signs, risks, and how to help with eating disorders in teens.
Parenting a teenager today isn’t easy. Between social media, academic stress, and the pressure to fit in, it’s a lot for young minds to handle. So, when food, weight, or body image becomes an obsession, it’s time to pay attention.
Eating disorders in teens are more common than most people realize and they’re not always obvious. That’s why being informed as a parent is not just helpful, it’s essential.
What Are Eating Disorders and How Do They Show Up in Teens?
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect how a person thinks about food, weight, and their body. The most common types include anorexia (restricting food intake), bulimia (bingeing and purging), and binge eating disorder (consuming large amounts of food without purging).
While adults may be more aware of their patterns, teens often don’t realize what they’re experiencing is even a problem. They might brush it off as “just trying to be healthy” or hide their behaviors altogether. And because adolescence already comes with mood swings and physical changes, the signs can be easy to miss.
Red Flags Every Parent Should Watch For
Changes in behavior, appearance, and emotional health often show up before a diagnosis. You might notice your teen becoming obsessed with calorie counting, skipping meals, or making excuses to eat alone.
Other times, they may withdraw from friends, struggle in school, or seem unusually irritable or down. If you notice frequent complaints about their body or see them avoiding mirrors, it could point to deeper issues. And while sudden weight loss or gain might be a warning sign, remember eating disorders aren’t always visible on the outside.
Read More: https://psychiatryservices4u.com/eating-disorders-in-teens-what-every-parent-should-know/