By: Gabrielle A. Morreale M.A. LPC. C-DBT.
As a parent, your child’s health and well-being are always at the forefront of your mind. I became a parent a year and a half ago and watching my daughter fall in love with food has been such a gift. Also, learning her preferences has been a journey, to say the least. As they grow, we tend to notice how their eating habits change as they move through different stages of life. Developing a healthy relationship with food starts in childhood and is often shaped by the messages we receive. So, what happens when we notice changes in our child’s relationship with food or we feel it is unhealthy? Do we need to ask ourselves “Does my child have an eating disorder?”
Understanding the difference between normal fluctuations in eating patterns and the signs of an eating disorder is essential. Early identification can significantly improve outcomes and help your child receive the support they need. An ounce of prevention goes a long way. Let's start by exploring some of the types of eating disorders.
What Is an Eating Disorder - According to a New Jersey Eating Disorder Therapist?
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by an unhealthy relationship with food, body image, and weight. *Remember, eating disorders are not just about food. They often stem from complex psychological, social, and emotional factors, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, or societal pressures to conform to certain beauty standards. The most common types of eating disorders include:
Anorexia Nervosa: Restricting food intake, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image.
Bulimia Nervosa: Episodes of binge eating followed by purging, which might include vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives.
Binge Eating Disorder: Regular episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period, often followed by guilt, but without compensatory behaviors like purging.
ARFID: Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a fairly new eating disorder. Individuals with ARFID are extremely picky eaters and sometimes have little interest in eating food. They may eat a limited variety of preferred foods, which can lead to poor growth and poor nutrition.
Orthorexia: Obsessions around health and purity of food also compulsive exercise and fear of body changes.
You can learn more about the types of eating disorders and what they entail in our FREE parent course.
Warning Signs to Watch for in Your Child - from a New Jersey Eating Disorder Therapist
Eating disorders can manifest differently from one person to another. While it’s normal for kids to go through phases with their food preferences or have fluctuating appetites, certain behaviors may signal a deeper issue. Here are some signs that may indicate your child is struggling with an eating disorder:
Sudden or Extreme Changes in Eating Habits
Refusing to eat certain foods, particularly high-calorie items like sweets or carbs.
Skipping meals or dramatically reducing or increasing portion sizes.
Engaging in eating in secret or hiding food
Obsessive Focus on Weight, Calories, or Dieting
Frequent talk about weight loss, calories, or "healthy" vs. "unhealthy" foods.
Preoccupation with body shape and size, even if they’re within a normal weight range.
Constantly looking in the mirror or seeking reassurance about their appearance.
Physical Changes
Noticeable weight loss or gain, though some eating disorders may not result in obvious weight changes. Please note eating disorders do not have a size and all body types can have an eating disorder.
Dizziness, fatigue, or complaining of being cold often, especially in the case of restrictive eating.
Changes in hair, skin, or nails, such as thinning hair or dry skin, due to nutritional deficiencies.
Emotional and Behavioral Shifts
Avoiding social situations where food is involved, such as family meals or birthday parties.
Increased irritability, anxiety, or withdrawal from activities they used to enjoy.
Mood swings, depression, or expressions of hopelessness, particularly related to their body image.
Secretive or Ritualistic Behavior
Disappearing after meals (possibly to purge).
Cutting food into small pieces, eating very slowly, or playing with food without actually consuming it.
Exercising excessively, often driven by guilt after eating.
How Eating Disorders Affect Children
Eating disorders can have serious physical and psychological consequences, especially in children and teens, whose bodies and brains are still developing. Without proper nutrition, they may experience:
Growth and developmental delays.
Weakened bones and muscles.
Increased risk of heart problems, digestive issues, and other medical complications.
Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges that may persist into adulthood.
What Causes Eating Disorders in Children?
The causes of eating disorders are complex and multifaceted. While it’s impossible to pinpoint one factor, several influences may play a role, including:
Genetics: Children with a family history of eating disorders or mental health issues may be more vulnerable. Please note you did not cause your child’s disorder and this is not your fault.
Psychological factors: Low self-esteem, perfectionism, or a tendency toward anxiety and obsessive behavior can contribute.
Cultural and social pressures: Media portrayals of “ideal” body types and peer pressure may increase a child's desire to meet unrealistic beauty standards.
Life transitions: Stressful events like moving, family conflicts, bullying, or academic pressures can trigger disordered eating.
How to Talk to Your Child About Eating Disorders
If you suspect your child might have an eating disorder, it’s important to approach the situation with care and compassion. Here are a few steps you can take:
Create a Safe and Supportive Environment: Avoid criticizing their appearance or eating habits. Instead, emphasize that you’re concerned for their well-being and are there to listen and help. Be curious, not critical.
Have Open Conversations: Ask how they’ve been feeling emotionally, and express concern if you’ve noticed changes in their behavior. Encourage them to share without fear of judgment. Be their safe space!
Educate Yourself Together: Learn about the dangers of eating disorders and the importance of nutrition in a healthy, growing body. Use evidence-based resources to start a constructive conversation.
Seek Professional Help: Eating disorders often require professional interventions. A pediatrician, therapist, and/or dietitian specializing in eating disorders can provide the right care. Early intervention is key to recovery and we PROMISE healing is possible!
Supporting Your Child’s Recovery - Tips from a New Jersey Eating Disorder Therapist
Recovery from an eating disorder is a journey that involves the whole family. Here’s how you can support your child throughout the process:
Encourage Positive Body Image: Help your child appreciate their body for what it can do, rather than how it looks. Avoid making negative comments about weight or appearance (yours or theirs).
Promote a Balanced Approach to Food: Encourage all foods fit and avoid labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” Focus on the joy of eating, nourishment, and well-being.
Be Patient: Recovery can take time, and setbacks are a normal part of the process. Recovery is not linear. Offer unconditional love and support and celebrate every small victory along the way.
Final Thoughts from a New Jersey Eating Disorder Therapist
Recognizing an eating disorder in your child can be frightening and overwhelming, but early intervention can make all the difference. By staying vigilant, seeking professional help, and providing ongoing support, you can guide your child toward recovery and help them develop a healthier relationship with food, body image, and self-worth. If you want to learn more please take our FREE parent course.
Also, we have additional support for parents as well as resources on our website. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Reach out today!
Other Mental Health Services Offered in PA, NJ, DE, SC, MD, CT, and FL
We offer a wide variety of services related to eating disorder recovery including trauma therapy! We offer Weekly Support Groups, Nutrition Services, and Family and Parent Therapy as well as Coaching, all tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual. We offer our services for Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, and Orthorexia as well as Maternal Mental Health, and eating disorder therapy for athletes online in New Jersey, Delaware, South Carolina, Maryland, Florida, and Connecticut! We are here to offer our support and understanding in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
We have immediate openings right now for eating disorder therapy in:
Delaware, New Jersey, Florida, Maryland South Carolina, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
And recovery coaching worldwide.
Recovered and Restored is an eating disorder therapy center founded by Gabrielle Morreale, LPC. We specialize in helping teens and young women heal from eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, orthorexia, and binge eating disorder and treat disordered eating, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. We provide eating disorder therapy in the towns of Horsham, Upper Gwynedd, Lower Gwynedd, North Wales, Lansdale, Hatfield, Blue Bell, Doylestown, and nearby towns with eating disorder therapy. Also providing virtual eating disorder therapy in New Jersey, Delaware, and Florida. Some towns served virtually but are not limited to Pittsburg, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Center City, Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Mount Laurel, Cape May, Avalon, Brick, Dover, New Castle, Bethany Beach, Marydel, and Oceanview
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