The teenage years are often difficult. We know ourselves having been through them. Hormones are all over the show, and the many pressures of life can really take their toll, particularly when it comes to self-image.
It’s a topic which scares the life out of parents, but eating disorders are a real issue at such an age and there are hundreds of youngsters in rehab centres up and down the country that are evidence of that.
Early recognition that your teenager may be struggling is really important and we should all be able to identify the signs that something may be an issue. So, if you’re worried, have suspicions or simply want to be able to spot the signs should something happen with your teen, here are five things to look out for…
Changes in eating habits
One of the most noticeable indicators is a sudden or consistent change in eating patterns. This may include skipping meals, avoiding eating with others, or developing rigid rules about what and when they will eat. Some teenagers may cut out entire food groups, count calories obsessively, or claim they have already eaten when they have not.
Others may eat large amounts in secret and then disappear to the bathroom afterwards. These shifts often go beyond ordinary teenage fussiness and can point towards a deeper issue.
Preoccupation with weight, food, or body image
It is normal for teenagers to care about their appearance, but when thoughts about weight or shape become excessive, it can be a cause for concern. A teenager with an emerging eating disorder may frequently check themselves in the mirror, express dissatisfaction with their body regardless of actual weight, or compare themselves negatively with peers and celebrities.
They might also spend unusual amounts of time researching diets, “clean eating,” or exercise plans. This preoccupation can dominate their thinking, interfering with schoolwork, friendships, and everyday life.
Physical changes and warning signs
Eating disorders can take a toll on the body, and some changes may be visible. Rapid or unexplained weight loss is an obvious sign, but there are others to watch for. These may include persistent tiredness, dizziness, stomach issues, thinning hair, or sensitivity to cold.
In some cases, teenagers may start wearing baggy clothing to conceal weight loss or to hide their shape. While these symptoms may also relate to other health issues, when combined with changes in eating behaviour and mood, they warrant careful attention.
Emotional and behavioural shifts
Emotional wellbeing often mirrors physical health. Teenagers struggling with an eating disorder may become withdrawn, irritable, or anxious, particularly around mealtimes. They may avoid social situations that involve food or react strongly if questioned about their eating habits. Perfectionism, low self-esteem, or a sudden drop in confidence can also be linked to disordered eating.
Parents might notice mood swings that seem disproportionate or unexplained. These behavioural shifts can be subtle at first but often intensify as the disorder takes hold.
Excessive focus on exercise
Exercise can be a healthy outlet for stress and energy, but when it becomes compulsive, it can signal a problem. A teenager with an eating disorder may push themselves to exercise excessively, even when tired, injured, or unwell.
They may express guilt if they miss a workout or prioritise exercise over school, friendships, and rest. Exercise may also be used as a way to “compensate” for eating, reflecting an unhealthy relationship with both food and physical activity.
