Would you spot if your teen has an eating disorder?
- Dec 27, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 22
Around 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder, many of which develop during the teenage years. While eating disorders are more common in girls, around 1 in 4 of those affected are boys. Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) raises awareness of eating disorders, how to recognise them and where to get help. This year, EDAW runs from 23 February to 1 March 2026 and is hosted by Beat.
What is an eating disorder?
An eating disorder is a form of mental illness, not fussy eating, a fad or an over-zealous diet. Eating disorders range from not eating enough to eating too much. They can be very dangerous, damaging overall wellbeing and sometimes causing serious health problems that can be life-threatening.
Teens might change their eating habits from time to time. Some changes are short-lived; others may be more permanent, such as choosing to become vegan or vegetarian. This is normal. Eating disorders, by contrast, involve unhealthy and extreme habits, where food becomes a way to control or block out thoughts and feelings.
Many parents know that body image affects how teens see themselves and, as a result, may influence how they feel about eating. It's true that some eating disorders can be triggered by body image issues; however, there are often multiple triggers, which could include bullying, family issues, worries at school, friendship or relationship difficulties, and lifestyle changes. Genetics is also an influence, with risk being higher if there's a history of eating disorders in the family.
Alongside the physical health risks, eating disorders can foster low self-esteem and isolation. They can be very stressful, not only for the individual but for the whole family. After all, food is often a focus for family bonding, such as mealtimes, celebrations and evenings in front of the television. If your teen does have an eating disorder, it’s important to bear this in mind.
Different types of eating disorder
There are different eating disorders, and it’s possible to have one, a combination, or to move from one to another. The three most common are anorexia (drastically reducing the amount eaten), bulimia (eating large quantities of food and then purging), and binge eating disorder or BED (eating large quantities of food, usually in secret, but not purging).
Recognising eating disorders in your teen
There are many different signs and symptoms. Some are obvious (significant weight changes in a relatively short time, disappearing to the toilet straight after eating, an unhealthy preoccupation with weight or body image) and some are not (changes to exercise routines, mood changes, missed periods, low energy). Bear in mind that teens will often go to great lengths to conceal an eating disorder, and it can be relatively easy for the symptoms to go unnoticed by the people around them.
If you suspect your teen has an eating disorder, seek help and guidance from a specialist charity (some suggestions below) or your GP.
Supporting teens with eating disorders
Several charities specialise in supporting those with eating disorders and their families, including Beat, the National Centre for Eating Disorders, Overeaters Anonymous and Talk-ED. It’s worth contacting them for specialist guidance. It's possible to recover from an eating disorder, although this is usually a long-term process that requires dedication, patience and persistence.
Bear in mind that eating disorders are less about food and more about feelings, with the misdirected approach to food being a symptom of trying to control upsetting emotions.
Talking, or more accurately listening, is always a good step. Stay calm, don’t judge, and give them a chance to express how they feel. Don’t feel slighted if it takes time for them to confide in you; being secretive is often part of the condition. Do what you can to learn about eating disorders, to help you understand the complexities involved.
Don’t try to avoid eating as a family or talking about food around them; it's good for them to see people enjoying food in healthy quantities. That said, avoid pointed comments about appearance, weight or food, and show support with more general, open questions such as 'how are you feeling today?'.
And try to be a good role model by eating well, exercising sensibly and not over-consuming alcohol. It can be difficult to encourage them towards a healthier lifestyle if you don't seem to be taking those steps yourself.
Worried about your teen's stress or wellbeing?
Or if you’d like a hand at every stage of their journey, join Parent Club →