Parents: Watch Out for These Disordered Eating Signs
Written by Amira Yanni of Rock Recovery
Going back to school is often linked with yellow buses, open houses, and the changing of seasons. The air starts to become more crisp, and a cool wind starts to replace the humid days. Back to school season also brings with it clothes shopping, sports practice, and academic stress for many adolescents.
Teenagers begin experiencing several body changes during puberty, and back to school shopping may not be as exciting as it was in elementary school. There is a great deal of social pressure to have clothes that fit the ever-changing social media trends. Moreover, the stress of school can lead students to cope in different ways.
The reality is, teens may turn to harmful behaviors to help them cope with stress and social pressure as they head back to school. Since eating disorders and disordered eating often emerge during the period of adolescence, it’s important for parents to be on the lookout for signs. The good news is that recovery is possible and attainable, no matter the stage of the eating disorder.
Early intervention is helpful, so as parents watch out for school supply lists and teacher emails, here are some signs of disordered eating to watch out for:
Calorie counting, diet talk, or making statements about eating “clean and healthy”
Skipping meals, avoiding of certain food groups, or restricting portion size
Saying they feel full or not hungry
Displaying guilt or disgust with themselves after eating
Disappearing after meals or spending large amounts of time in the bathroom
Hiding food (you may find that you’re missing some of the food in the kitchen or finding the wrappers in your teen’s room)
Cooking for others and not eating what is made
Avoiding eating in public
Saying they feel fat
Making comments about their weight
Excessively exercising
Wearing baggy clothes
Starting to feel cold, dizzy or tired, or losing menstrual cycle regularity
Isolating from friends and family and from their typical activities
If you start seeing the warning signs of an eating disorder in your teen, be sure to talk to your teen’s doctor or a mental health professional. Body image issues may be commonplace in our society, but they don’t have to be normal. There are several treatment options available for those struggling with an eating disorder, including Rock Recovery’s new teen body image therapy group. If you have a teen who is 14-18 years old and who wants to stop fighting their bodies, gain freedom with food and movement, feel at home in their own skin, and become more present in their everyday experiences, schedule a free consultation on our website today.
Don’t forget that freedom from disordered eating is possible and recovery looks different for everyone. It may be discouraging at times, but your support for your loved one during the recovery process is important and can make a big difference.
If you or a loved one is struggling with disordered eating but don’t know where to start, Project HEAL is here to help. Schedule a free clinical assessment today: bit.ly/projecthealintake
Amira Yanni, MA, is a Resident in Counseling at Rock Recovery. She joined the team in 2021 after receiving her Master’s degree in Biblical Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary and is working towards independent licensure as a professional counselor in DC and Virginia. She leads Rock’s in-person Bridge to Life body image group for DC, VA and MD residents. She has worked with children, teens, and adults using a person-centered and trauma-informed approach.
