How to spot the signs of disordered eating in youth: Tips for parents and caregivers

If you notice some of the signs and symptoms of disordered eating, it is essential to talk with your child. Photo / 123rf

Warning: mention of eating disorders

In the age of social media, youth are constantly bombarded with viral trends and toxic messages that set unrealistic standards about the ideal body image. This has translated into a far too common expression of body shape dissatisfaction in young people.

Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder are serious mental health conditions that affect approximately one million Canadians. These conditions are also on the rise in youth, with research showing that healthcare visits for eating disorders doubled during the Covid-19 outbreak, compared with before the pandemic.

This is concerning, since there are already long wait times for eating disorder programmes.

Impact of eating disorders

Individuals with eating disorders experience a problematic relationship with food, often accompanied by significant distress about their weight, shape and size. Many experience body image dissatisfaction and restrictive eating.

Eating disorders do not discriminate. They can occur in people of any race/ethnicity, age, socioeconomic class or gender. Youth who do not “fit” the stereotype of an eating disorder, especially those from black, indigenous and racialised backgrounds, may face delayed recognition and diagnosis.

Eating disorders impact every aspect of an individual’s life and contribute to significant distress for the affected individual and their family, including their siblings. They can have serious and life-threatening complications, such as bradycardia (heart beating too slowly), osteoporosis (bone weakening) and anaemia (low red blood cell count). Eating disorders are also associated with a high rate of premature death.

As clinicians and researchers, we have studied and worked with youth and their families struggling with eating disorders or “disordered eating” (the spectrum of unhealthy eating behaviour and patterns). Below we offer a guide for parents and other supportive adults on recognising the signs of disordered eating in youth and offer practical resources and tips to support them effectively.

Signs of disordered eating

Considering the growing concern about the rise in eating disorder behaviour in youth, and the importance of timely recognition and action, the following signs and symptoms of disordered eating are important to look out for:

Behaviours related to disordered eating:

Physical signs of disordered eating:

Social and psychological signs of disordered eating:

General recommendations for all parents and caregivers

Eating disorders are on the rise in youth, with research showing that healthcare visits for eating disorders have doubled since before the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo / Getty Images

The importance of early identification and intervention

If you notice some of the signs and symptoms of disordered eating, it is essential to talk with your child. Invite them to share their experiences and listen without judgment. Express compassion, kindness and concern about their health and wellbeing.

If you believe your child’s health is at risk, warmly but firmly tell them that you are worried about them and organise contact with a healthcare professional. Make an appointment with your primary care provider and come to your appointment prepared to discuss the type of behaviour you have been seeing.

Previous research suggests that quickly seeking help may support better recovery from an eating disorder. This awareness motivates providers and family members into action to quickly identify eating disorder behaviour in youth and to advocate for them to receive comprehensive care from a diverse healthcare team including psychologists, physicians, dieticians and social workers.

If you experience a long wait for targeted support in your area, consider also exploring reputable organisations in your geographical location.

It is important for parents and caregivers to recognise that negative body talk does not mean that your child has an eating disorder. It is, however, something to be mindful of, especially when coupled with the signs of eating disorders provided above.

The National Eating Disorders Information Centre helpline and live chat are available seven days a week. For Helpline call 1-866-NEDIC-20 (toll-free) or live chat at nedic.ca

Do you need help?

Get in touch with the Eating Disorders Association of New Zealand if you need help finding a private provider in your area by phoning 0800 2 EDANZ or emailing info@ed.org.nz.

If you need urgent help, reach out to your GP or local mental health provider. Or if you need to talk to someone else:

• LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 or 09 5222 999 within Auckland (available 24/7)

• YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633 ,free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.

• NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)

• KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)