Understanding Eating Disorders in Children
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions with a wide range of causes and types. Early detection is crucial, especially in children, as these disorders can severely impact their physical and emotional well-being. Unfortunately, eating disorders in children are often dismissed as “picky eating” when in fact, they are serious and multifaceted issues.
This blog will explore the symptoms to look out for and offer practical strategies for supporting children who may be struggling.
Eating disorders can look very different in children than in adults. Still, children can experience a range of disorders, including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder (BED), and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).
There is no single cause of eating disorders, but there are several contributing risk factors, such as:
- Genetics or family history
- Anxiety or other mental health conditions
- Perfectionism or high self-expectations
- Exposure to frequent dieting or body talk
- Experiences of bullying or trauma
It’s important to understand that these disorders are not about vanity or fussiness—they are often coping mechanisms for children facing overwhelming emotions. Now that you know the disorders, here are the key signs to look out for.
Physical Signs:
- Rapid weight loss or lack of expected weight gain during growth periods
- Complaints of stomach aches, fatigue, or dizziness
- Cold intolerance
- Frequently wearing baggy clothes
- Delayed puberty or missed developmental milestones
- Regular bathroom visits, especially after meals
While these signs alone may not confirm an eating disorder, they are worth paying attention to, especially if they occur together.
Emotional and Behavioural Signs:
- Anxiety or guilt around meals
- Obsessive thoughts about food, calories, or “clean eating”
- Avoidance of eating in front of others
- Mood swings, irritability, or signs of depression
- Perfectionism or fear of failure
- Excessive exercise or physical restlessness
Social and Academic Changes:
- Withdrawing from activities or sports they previously enjoyed
- Struggles with focus or a drop in academic performance
- Becoming secretive or defensive about food or body-related conversations
Keep in mind that while many children go through phases—especially during puberty—persistent patterns of food restriction, bingeing, secrecy, or shame around eating are cause for concern. Not all eating disorders involve visible weight loss, so changes in behaviour are often the most telling signs.
Eating disorders can be very difficult to manage, and helping a child struggling with one can often be a challenging task, but here are some tips for you to help children who are struggling.
What to Say:
- Start a gentle conversation: “I’ve noticed you seem worried about food lately—do you want to talk about it?”
- Avoid making comments about their body or eating habits, as these can be triggering.
What to Do:
- Schedule a check-up with your paediatrician or GP.
- Seek support from a therapist or eating disorder specialist.
- Keep mealtimes calm and pressure-free. Focus on connection rather than control.
What Not to Do:
- Avoid using blame or shame-based language.
- Don’t try to “logic” the problem away or force eating.
- Don’t assume it’s just a phase without deeper exploration.
Eating disorders can have long-term health consequences, which is why early intervention is so necessary. Though it can feel overwhelming, remember that eating disorders are treatable, and full recovery is possible. If your instincts tell you something’s wrong, trust them—seek professional help. Your support can make a world of difference.
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