Signs of an Eating Disorder in Teens

For most people, eating is a natural part of the day, like sleeping. But for some teens, food can become a source of stress and anxiety. Concerns about body weight or shape can influence eating behaviors, sometimes leading to unhealthy patterns or extreme weight loss.

Eating disorders in teens are serious, potentially life-threatening conditions. Understanding the signs and possible causes of eating disorders in teens can help you know when it may be time to find help for your teen.

Common Eating Disorders in Teens

There are different types of eating disorders in teens. The most common include:

• Anorexia nervosa: People with anorexia nervosa typically have a distorted view of their body and are very afraid of gaining weight. Even if they are thin or underweight, they typically think they are overweight. They commonly restrict their food intake or avoid eating altogether. They may also have times when they binge (eat a lot) and purge (vomit on purpose).
• Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID): People with ARFID are frequently underweight because they limit the foods they eat. They might have fears around choking or vomiting or have issues with a food’s appearance or texture.
• Binge-eating disorder: People with this disorder are commonly overweight because they lose control of their eating and end up eating too much.
• Bulimia nervosa: Teens with bulimia nervosa regularly eat too much (binging) and then try to prevent weight gain by forced vomiting or misusing laxatives (medications that encourage a bowel movement).

Causes of Eating Disorders in Teens

People with eating disorders can be different shapes and sizes. These conditions also can affect people of various ages, sexes, and racial and ethnic backgrounds. Most eating disorders start in adolescence and young adulthood. Girls and women ages 12 to 35 are more likely to have disordered eating than other groups.

Researchers haven’t found a single cause for eating disorders. Biological, genetic, psychological and social factors combine to affect an individual’s risk. Some risk factors include:

• Family history. If other members of your family have a history of eating disorders, your teen may be at an increased risk.
• Mental health concerns. Risk can increase in the presence of other issues, such as trauma, anxiety or depression.
• Frequent dieting. A history of yo-yo dieting (weight that goes up and down) can increase the risk of disordered eating.
• Bullying. If your teen has been bullied or shamed (whether because of their weight or other reasons), they may be more likely to develop an eating disorder.
• Stress. Regardless of the source, stress can increase eating disorder risk.

Signs of an Eating Disorder

The signs to watch for vary depending on the disorder. But in general, look for these signs of an eating disorder:

• A self-imposed limited diet
• Avoiding usual social activities and events, such as parties, banquets or dances
• Being overly focused on food
• Binging (eating a lot of food) often
• Calluses on the knuckles, which might be caused by frequent gagging to cause vomiting
• Excessive exercise
• Leaving during or immediately after meals to go to the bathroom
• Looking at the mirror frequently
• Loss of tooth enamel, which can be a sign of frequent vomiting
• Making excuses for not eating
• Rigid, perfectionistic thinking about food and other aspects of life like schoolwork
• Skipping meals or snacks
• Talking about being overweight or needing to lose weight or expressing guilt about eating habits
• Using laxatives

When to See a Doctor

Eating disorders can lead to more serious complications, including problems with growth and development, social problems, depression and anxiety, infertility, malnutrition and more. In some cases, eating disorders can even be fatal.

With treatment, which can include therapy, nutrition counseling and medications, recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Getting treatment as early as possible is key. If you think your child might have an eating disorder, contact their doctor or get a referral to a mental health professional who is experienced with eating disorders.