Stephanie Gillespie is a dedicated professional who has made a significant impact in the fields of developmental psychology, Autism, and Addiction Treatment. After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Developmental Psychology.
Eating disorders in teenagers are complex mental health conditions that impact millions of young people annually. The growing influence of social media, popular culture, and societal pressures around body image has contributed to an increase in eating disorders among teens. Conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder can have serious health consequences if not addressed. Parents, family members, and friends play a critical role in helping teens navigate these challenges.
In this article, we’ll discuss the warning signs, treatment options, and ways to support a teenager dealing with an eating disorder.
What is an eating disorder?
Eating disorders in teenagers are more than just an obsession with body weight or food; they are mental health disorders often linked to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. These disorders can start with disordered eating habits but, if untreated, may escalate into more serious conditions such as restrictive food intake disorder or anorexia nervosa, as well as other mental health concerns. Teens who develop eating disorders may exhibit intense fear of gaining weight, distorted body image, or a fixation on certain foods or body weight goals.
Common eating disorders in teenagers
Eating disorders can manifest differently in teenagers, with various underlying factors, behaviors, and health risks. The most common eating disorders in this age group include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, each with its own defining symptoms and challenges. Here’s a closer look at these disorders and their impact on teens:
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is marked by an overwhelming fear of gaining weight, which drives individuals to severely restrict their food intake, often resulting in substantial weight loss. Teenagers with anorexia may view their bodies with a distorted perception, seeing themselves as overweight even when they are underweight or normal weight. To achieve what they believe is a "normal body weight," they may go to dangerous lengths to avoid eating or maintain strict food rules.
Signs of anorexia in teenagers
Physical symptoms: Rapid weight loss, pale skin, thinning hair, and fatigue.
Behavioral signs: Avoiding meals, counting calories obsessively, and only eating “safe” or low-calorie foods.
Mental health concerns: A preoccupation with body shape and weight, low self-esteem, and often co-occurring anxiety or depression.
Anorexia can have severe health implications, including nutrient deficiencies, weakened bones, heart complications, and potential damage to other organs. Treatment for anorexia nervosa often includes therapy, medical intervention, and nutrition counseling to restore physical health and address the underlying mental health conditions contributing to the disorder.
Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is a cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as purging, in an attempt to prevent weight gain. Unlike anorexia, teens with bulimia may maintain what appears to be a normal body weight, making it harder for parents and family members to recognize the disorder. However, the behavior around food and eating can be noticeably erratic.
Signs of bulimia in teenagers
Physical symptoms: Swollen cheeks, damaged teeth due to stomach acid, chronic sore throat, and electrolyte imbalances.
Behavioral signs: Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, secrecy around eating, and evidence of large quantities of food consumed rapidly.
Mental health concerns: Feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety associated with eating, as well as low self-worth and perfectionism.
Bulimia nervosa can result in serious health complications, such as digestive issues, electrolyte imbalance, heart irregularities, and dental erosion. Treatment often involves a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, medical care, and support to manage binge-purge cycles and improve self-esteem.
Binge eating disorder
Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by repeated episodes of eating large quantities of food within a short time, often leading to feelings of physical discomfort. Unlike bulimia, binge eating disorder does not include purging behaviors, which can lead to rapid weight gain and associated health risks. BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States and does not include any patterns avoidant restrictive food intake.
Signs of binge eating disorder in teenagers:
Physical symptoms: Rapid weight gain, fatigue, and associated physical health issues like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
Behavioral signs: Secretive eating, eating unusually large portions when not hungry, and feelings of loss of control over eating.
Mental health concerns: Feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness after binge episodes, and often co-occurring depression or anxiety.
Because binge eating disorder can lead to obesity and other medical complications, treatment focuses on addressing emotional eating patterns, managing mental health concerns, and providing nutritional counseling to foster a balanced, healthy approach to food.
Each of these eating disorders in teens requires an individualized treatment plan that considers the unique symptoms and underlying psychological issues of the affected teenager. Professional guidance is essential to help teens manage these behaviors, address co-occurring mental health conditions, and rebuild a healthy relationship with food and body image.
Recognizing the warning signs of an eating disorder
Early identification of an eating disorder is essential in order to prevent long-term physical and mental health complications. Parents and family members should be aware of red flags that could indicate a possible eating disorder. Some common warning signs include:
Physical symptoms: Noticeable weight loss or changes in body weight, nutrient deficiencies, and other medical complications.
Behavioral signs: Avoiding meals, restrictive eating, strict rules around food, or going to the bathroom immediately after meals.
Emotional signs: Expressions of low self-esteem, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image.
Additional symptoms such as excessive exercise, avoiding certain foods, and focusing heavily on body shape or size can also indicate an eating disorder.
Treatment options for eating disorders in teens
Treating eating disorders in teens is a complex process that requires a combination of medical intervention, mental health support, typically residential treatment and family involvement. Since eating disorders affect physical health, mental well-being, and family dynamics, a well-rounded, individualized approach is essential for effective treatment. Here are some common treatment options supported by the National Eating Disorders Association and widely recommended for young people dealing with eating disorders:
Nutrition counseling
Nutrition counseling is a foundational part of treatment for any eating disorder, as it focuses on rebuilding a healthy relationship with food. Registered dietitians or nutritionists experienced in eating disorder recovery work with teens to address nutrient deficiencies and create balanced meal plans that provide enough calories to support a healthy weight and physical well-being.
Key aspects of nutrition counseling are:
Meal planning and education: Teaching teens about balanced eating, portion control, and the value of various food groups.
Breaking food rules: Many teens with eating disorders develop strict rules about “safe” and “unsafe” foods. Nutrition counseling helps them gradually reintroduce a variety of foods and ease food-related anxieties.
Preventing relapse: Nutritionists help teens recognize and manage triggers, such as stress or low self-esteem, that can lead to disordered eating behaviors.
A dietitian’s guidance empowers teens to develop healthier eating behaviors, reduce restrictive habits, and learn how to nourish their bodies effectively.
Therapy and counseling
Psychotherapy is crucial for addressing the mental health conditions that often accompany eating disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and low self-worth. Working with a licensed adolescent psychiatrist or therapist provides a safe space for teens to explore the underlying emotions, beliefs, and psychological patterns that drive disordered eating.
Types are therapy used in eating disorder therapy are:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps teens identify and reframe distorted beliefs around body image, food, and self-worth, providing tools to manage negative thoughts.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT focuses on emotion regulation, helping teens manage intense feelings that can lead to behaviors like binge eating or purging.
Family-Based Therapy (FBT): Family-based treatment is particularly effective for adolescents with anorexia nervosa. This approach involves family members in the recovery process, empowering them to support their teen’s eating and help them achieve a healthy weight.
Therapy not only helps teens build self-esteem but also equips them with coping strategies to handle triggers, manage stress, and work toward long-term recovery.
Medical care
Due to the significant physical toll that eating disorders can take, ongoing medical monitoring is essential. Eating disorders can lead to dangerous health complications, such as electrolyte imbalances, weakened bones, and organ damage, making regular check-ups critical for identifying and treating medical issues as early as possible.
Some of the key components of medical care in treating eating disorders are:
Physical health monitoring: Routine check-ups to track body weight, vital signs, and overall physical health, ensuring teens are progressing toward a healthier body.
Addressing malnutrition: Doctors may need to manage specific nutrient deficiencies or complications related to prolonged malnutrition, such as weakened immunity or hormone imbalances.
Managing co-occurring conditions: Many teens with eating disorders also experience mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, which may require additional interventions such as medication or psychiatric care.
Medical care plays an essential role in addressing the serious health risks associated with eating disorders and ensures teens receive comprehensive, well-rounded care.
When to seek professional help
If you notice warning signs of an eating disorder, consult a healthcare provider, such as an adolescent psychiatrist, mental health treatment center in Arizona or a specialist in eating behaviors. They can provide a thorough assessment and guide you toward appropriate treatment options.
By remaining informed and supportive, you can help your teenager build a healthy relationship with food, body image, and mental health—ultimately aiding in their journey toward recovery and resilience.
How to support a teen through recovery
The journey to recovery from an eating disorder is challenging, but there are ways to provide meaningful support to a teenager struggling with these issues. Here are some strategies to consider:
1. Encourage open communication
Foster a safe space where teens feel comfortable discussing their concerns about body image, mental health, and self-worth without fear of judgment.
2. Model healthy behavior
As family members, displaying a balanced approach to food, exercise, and body image can help teens develop a more positive relationship with their own bodies.
3. Educate yourself and your teen about eating disorders
Learn about eating disorders, possible medical complications, and the impact of social pressures on body image. Understanding the causes can help build empathy and guide constructive conversations.
4. Set realistic goals
Recovery from an eating disorder is a gradual process. Focus on achievable milestones, such as regular meals or addressing distorted body image perceptions, rather than immediate weight gain or loss.
How to prevent eating disorders and promote positive mental health
Prevention is key, especially when considering the impact of societal influences on children and teens. Educate young people on the dangers of disordered eating and the importance of a healthy self-image. Discuss the unrealistic standards often depicted in popular culture and emphasize that self-worth is not tied to body size or shape.
Additionally, if there is a family history of mental health conditions or eating disorders, encourage healthy habits and provide the necessary mental health support to reduce the risk of developing these issues in early adulthood.
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Stephanie Gillespie, Addiction Treatment Outreach Coordinator
Stephanie Gillespie is a dedicated professional who has made a significant impact in the fields of developmental psychology, Autism, and Addiction Treatment. After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Developmental Psychology. Her 15 years of experience working with individuals of all ages on the Autism spectrum provided her with a strong foundation for her transition into the Addiction Treatment field, where she now works as an Outreach Specialist for Patient Digital Marketing. In this role, Stephanie leverages her expertise to help addiction treatment centers increase their online presence, ultimately reaching more individuals in need of support.
