How Do I Know If My Teen Needs Help?

In real life, eating disorders can just look like, well, real life.

These signs don’t necessarily mean your teen has an eating disorder. But if you’re checking off more than a few, let’s talk.

Question 1: Have I noticed any small signs of an eating disorder in my teen’s life?

Baggy Clothes
Baggies are back—and your teen’s probably just on trend. But oversized clothes can also hide a changing body, sometimes brought on by an eating disorder.

Family Chef
Some kids have a gourmet touch—but make sure your child’s comes from a healthy place. Teens with eating disorders sometimes cook and bake for others as a way to enjoy food without eating it. Others make their own food to rigidly control their nutrition in order to track their macro or count calories.

Eating Out
Teens having a pizza party in class or grabbing fast food with friends is normal. But teens with eating disorders might just say they’ve eaten elsewhere so you won’t worry when they don’t eat at home.

Hidden Stash
Oreos stashed under the bed can be a guilty pleasure. That said, if you’re finding signs your kid is hoarding a lot of food, or frequently eating in private, that could be a cause for concern.

Food Fight
It’s normal for some kids to not like veggies—or explore vegetarianism! But if you’re fighting over food on a regular basis, it might be a sign that they are fearing food and fearing changes to their body.

Workout Warrior
Kids have energy to burn, and some burn it off best in dance, cheer, gymnastics, and team sports. If your child is training too hard, such as going above and beyond what is necessary for their sport, or is feeling guilt when they can’t workout, it may point to an unhealthy relationship with exercise.

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Other signs can be more obvious—but often only in retrospect.

Sometimes, we’re just so close to a situation we just assume it’s normal or fine. But for these next few questions, step back, take a pause, and consider.

Question 2: Have I noticed any bigger signs of an eating disorder in my teen’s life?

Ch-ch-ch-changes
Teens change fast—sometimes they shoot up a foot overnight! If you’re noticing big changes in their appetite (up or down) or weight or appearance alongside other signs like puffy cheeks, worn spots on their knuckles, stomach aches, or even hair loss, or dry skin, those may signal an eating disorder.

Body Insecurity
Kids can’t help but pick up some self-depreciation from our body-negative society. Still, if your child is constantly commenting negatively on their weight or appearance, we may want to look deeper.

Food Phobias
Hating hollandaise or avoiding common allergy foods can be completely normal. But if your adolescent is cutting out entire food groups, seems afraid to eat altogether, is eating a limited variety of foods, or avoiding foods they used to like, that could signal an eating disorder.

Missing Meals
Young people need space! When your teen is heading straight into their room after school, and especially refusing to eat with the family, they might be struggling.

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The biggest sign of all? If you as a parent simply suspect your child might have an eating disorder.

Question 3: Have I noticed the following telltale sign of an eating disorder in my teen’s life?(Required)

Something’s Off
Trust your instincts. If your kid has any behavior that points to preoccupation, control, or loss of control with food, weight, body image, or exercise, it’s time to investigate if it’s an eating disorder.

I'm Not Sure

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Your teen’s first, best defense against an eating disorder is you.

In real life, eating disorders can just look like, well, real life.

Other signs can be more obvious—but often only in retrospect.

The biggest sign of all? If you as a parent simply suspect your child might have an eating disorder.