Warning Signs of Eating Disorders in Children and Teens
You may be asking the following questions: How do I know my child has an eating disorder? What do I do if they have an eating disorder? How can I best support my child through an eating disorder?
Well, I’m here to help you.
First, let’s start with physical signs and symptoms of eating disorders. Then, I’ll break down the most common signs of eating disorders in children and teens including restriction (dieting), purging(throwing up), and binge eating (eating large amounts of food in a short amount of time). Then, I will talk about ARFID, also known as Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. Lastly, I will talk about the best resources for concerned parents and caregivers if you feel it applies to your child.
The most commons signs include preoccupation with weight loss, food, calories, and dieting. Your child may eliminate whole groups of food including fats and carbs. Your child may refuse to eat certain foods and make excuses to avoid meal times. They often withdraw from friends and family such as skipping family dinners or spending more time in the bathroom where there may be a mirror. Physical signs include changes in weight, stomach cramps, period irregularities, dizziness and feeling cold. They may also get sick more often due to an impaired immune system due to lack of food.
Restricting
Restricting, or in other terms, when there is an avoidance or decrease in food intake. This may include signs like weight loss, hiding their body in layers clothing(even in the summer), saying things like “I’m feeling fat”, rigid exercise routines (such as running even with a cold or when it’s raining outside), diet talk, skipping lunches at school and/or no longer eating what the family typically eats.
Purging
Purging, also known as vomiting, using laxatives, or excessive exercise. Your child may visit the bathroom immediately after meals. They may experience dental problems due to the negative effects of stomach acid in the mouth. You may find purge in hidden bags or containers. They may use mouth wash, mints or gum to hide vomiting. There may be calluses as a result of self induced vomiting. Dental problems may include erosion, bleeding gums, dry mouth and enlarged glands. They may use napkins to spit or hide food.
Binge eating
They may hide wrappers or evidence of food consumed in private such as under the bed, closet or drawers. Binge eating signs can include not eating throughout the day, no planned mealtimes, skipping meals, taking small portions, fasting or repeated dieting. If they are older, you may notice large purchases of food from different restaurants, or grocery stores. Food may be missing from the pantry or refrigerator. Binge eating can include losing control of eating, eating large amounts and eating very fast. There may be rituals to binge eating including going to the same stores or restaurants.
Signs of ARFID
I’ve included ARFID also known as Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder due to the fact that it is unique and has it’s own signs. ARFID has no body image disturbance or fear of weight gain like other eating disorders. Weight loss is a common sign and limiting the range of food intake. Children may only like certain brands, temperature and texture specific. For example, eating Tyson chicken nuggets cooked in the oven with ketchup. If it’s a different brand they may not eat it, or cooked a different way (the microwave). These individuals are known as “picky eaters” and relies heavily on supplements like Boost or Ensure. There may also be fears of choking or vomiting.
Resources
“8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder” by Carolyn Costin.
This book has explanations as to why your child may have an eating disorder, and ways to better understand the underlying reasons as to why someone develops an eating disorder.
F.E.A.S.T.
Families Empowered And Supported Treatment for Eating Disorders
This group has 30 day programs as well as online webinars, toolkits and email support for families needing eating disorder support.
References:
Eating disorders symptoms. National Eating Disorders Association. (2025, March 21). https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/warning-signs-and-symptoms/
Home. F.E.A.S.T. (2025, March 6). https://feast-ed.org/