February 23 to March 1 marks National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of eating disorders and offering hope to individuals who are struggling, along with their families. For parents and caregivers, simply learning more is a powerful first step that can lead to early intervention, compassionate support, and recovery.
Eating disorders affect an estimated 30 million Americans over their lifetime. Each year, about 2.7 percent of U.S. teens ages 13–18 experience an eating disorder, and health visits related to eating disorders among teenagers increased by 107 percent between 2018 and 2022, according to the National Institutes of Health. Even though eating disorders are common and serious, many individuals delay help because of shame, myths about these illnesses, and difficulty finding care.
It is important to understand that eating disorders are not choices, and are not about food or appearance. They are complex mental health conditions that often develop alongside anxiety, depression, trauma, perfectionism, or struggles with self-worth. When families notice early warning signs and respond with questions and compassion—rather than fear or judgment—they can make a big difference in helping a child or teen heal.
There is no single cause of an eating disorder. Research shows these illnesses usually develop because of a mix of factors related to the body, the mind, and a person’s surroundings. Experts often describe three main categories of influences:
Predisposing factors (genetics, temperament)
Precipitating factors (dieting, illness, major stress, trauma, loss)
Perpetuating factors (rigid thinking, anxiety relief from symptoms, social reinforcement)
Understanding this framework helps parents move away from blame and respond with empathy and problem-solving. Eating disorders are illnesses, not failures of willpower.
Eating disorders can look different from person to person. Some of the most common types include:
Eating disorders often develop gradually, and early changes can be subtle. Paying attention to patterns over time is often more important than any single sign.
Physical changes may be the first noticeable indicators. These can include:
Significant weight changes or failure to gain weight as expected during growth
Thinning hair, brittle nails, dry skin
A child frequently feeling cold, as the body conserves energy when it is not receiving adequate nourishment
Emotional and behavioral changes often accompany physical symptoms. These may include:
Preoccupation with calories, food rules, or “clean” eating
Skipping meals or avoiding eating with others
Increased anxiety, irritability, or mood swings
Rigid, black-and-white thinking about food
Some children or teens may engage in excessive exercise or become highly distressed when they cannot work out. Frequent body checking, mirror use, or negative self-talk about appearance can also be warning signs.
As eating concerns become more consuming, children may withdraw from friends or family, avoid social events involving food, or isolate during meals. Adults might notice declining concentration, falling grades, or loss of interest in schoolwork. These shifts can indicate that an eating disorder is beginning to interfere with daily life and relationships, and they deserve careful attention.
Many individuals with eating disorders experience body dysmorphia, which means they have persistent and distressing thoughts about how their body looks, even when these perceived "flaws" are minor or something other people can't see. The way they picture their body may not match reality, increasing feelings of shame and anxiety.
Event though it's well-intentioned, saying things like “You look fine” often does not ease this distress and can even feel like you aren't really listening. It can be more supportive to acknowledge what they are feeling: “It sounds exhausting to feel so critical of your body. I’m really sorry you’re going through that.”
For children and teens, social media can strongly shape beliefs about bodies and food. Constant exposure to filtered images, diet trends, and appearance-focused posts can make unhealthy behaviors and unrealistic standards seem normal, even when content is framed as “wellness.”
Adults can help by talking openly about how online content is chosen and edited, encouraging kids to question what they see. Setting reasonable boundaries around screen time and using respectful or body-neutral language at home are other ways to show support.
Eating disorders are becoming more recognized among boys and men, yet many are still not diagnosed. Many people wrongly believe these illnesses only affect girls, which can cause boys to wait longer before asking for help.
For males, signs may focus more on trying to gain muscle or look very lean instead of just wanting to be thin. They may exercise too much and feel ashamed about sharing their feelings. It is very important to create spaces where boys and men can talk openly about their bodies, mental health, and eating—without being judged. This helps with prevention and getting support early.
1. Lead With Curiosity, Not Confrontation: Approach conversations calmly and without accusation: “I’ve noticed meals seem stressful lately, and I care about how you’re feeling.” “I’m not here to control you—I want to support you.” Avoid commenting on weight, appearance, or how much someone is eating.
2. Focus on Feelings, Not Just Food: Ask about pressures at school, friendships, social media, or anxiety. These underlying stressors often matter more than the eating behaviors themselves.
3. Seek Professional Help Early: Early treatment improves outcomes. Eating disorders typically require coordinated care from medical providers, therapists, and dietitians who specialize in this area.
4. Stay Connected: Recovery is rarely linear. Maintaining warmth, consistency, and emotional presence, even during setbacks, helps children feel safe and supported.
5. Care for Yourself, Too: Supporting a child with an eating disorder can be overwhelming. Parents and caregivers deserve compassion as well. Seeking your own support, education, and moments of rest is not selfish, it strengthens your ability to care for your family.
Eating disorders can be scary and stressful for families, but help is available and recovery is possible. Asking for support is not a sign of failure; it is a brave and caring choice. By staying open, getting help from professionals, and keeping close relationships, parents and caregivers can be strong partners in a child’s healing. No family has to go through this alone. Getting help early, and with care, can make a lasting difference in a young person’s health, strength, and self-esteem.
Crisis and Immediate Support
Beauty Redefined - Run by twin educators and researchers who teach kids and teens how to challenge beauty standards and focus on what bodies do rather than how they appear. https://www.instagram.com/beauty_redefined/
GoNoodle - Popular with elementary-age kids—focuses on joyful movement, fun, and energy rather than weight or appearance. https://www.instagram.com/gonoodle/
Cosmic Kids Yoga - Encourages movement through storytelling and imagination—excellent for younger children and promotes connection to the body in a positive, non-judgmental way. https://cosmickids.com/