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What To Know About Eating Disorders In Teens

By: Holly Shah - Master’s Level Intern

Let’s be real - talking about eating disorders can feel uncomfortable! Whether you’re worried about your teen or even starting to question your own relationship with food, just know that you’re not alone in this. In this blog, we will explore several key areas regarding eating disorders in teens.


Some types of eating disorders:


There are several different types of eating disorders, each with their own unique symptoms and challenges. Here are some of the most common ones:


Anorexia is one of the most well-known eating disorders. It’s characterized by extreme food restriction, an intense fear of gaining weight, and constant, overwhelming thoughts about food and body image. There are two subtypes of anorexia:


  • Restrictive type: This is probably the image most people think of when they hear the

word anorexia; It involves severely limiting food intake and often includes excessive

Exercise.

  • Binge-eating/purging type: This type includes episodes of binge eating followed by

purging behaviors like vomiting, using laxatives, or overexercising—along with periods

of restriction.


Many people with anorexia are considered underweight, but the disorder is about more

than just weight—it’s also about mental and emotional struggles.


Bulimia involves cycles of binge eating (eating a large amount of food in a short period of time) followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors like purging, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives. Unlike anorexia, people with bulimia may be within a “normal” weight range, which can make it harder to spot from the outside.


This is actually the most common eating disorder in the U.S. It involves episodes of eating large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort. Unlike bulimia, there are no regular purging behaviors afterward—but feelings of guilt, shame, or loss of control are common during and after these episodes.


While not officially recognized as a clinical diagnosis yet, orthorexia is becoming more widely discussed. It is an obsession with eating only foods considered “clean” or “healthy.” This can involve constantly checking nutrition labels, cutting out entire food groups, and avoiding any food that doesn’t meet a strict standard of “purity.” Over-exercising is also a common part of this pattern. Even though it may appear as “healthy living” on the outside, orthorexia can be just as damaging—physically, mentally, and socially.


Eating disorders do not have a look - but there are signs to look out for!


One of the biggest misconceptions about eating disorders is that someone has to look a certain way to have one. That simply isn’t true. Eating disorders can affect people of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. If you’re a parent and you’re starting to wonder if your teen might be struggling with an eating disorder, here are some common signs to look out for:


● They’ve asked to go on a special diet, or you’ve noticed they’re changing the way they

usually eat.

● They make negative comments about their body or express dissatisfaction with how they look.

● They’re exercising excessively - sometimes even when they’re tired or unwell.

● They’ve started counting calories or showing a preoccupation with food labels and

portions.

● They often head to the bathroom right after meals.

● You’ve noticed significant weight changes that can’t be explained by other health

conditions.

● They seem unusually tired, cold, or dizzy.

● Their mood has shifted - they may seem more irritable, withdrawn, or emotionally up

and down.


Risk Factors for Eating Disorders in Teens


We know that eating disorders don’t develop in a bubble. There are many different factors that can contribute to why a teen might begin to struggle with one. Social influences play a big role—especially things like social media, where certain body types and disordered eating behaviors are often glorified. We live in a culture that celebrates unrealistic body standards, and teens are constantly exposed to messages about how they should look. On top of that, experiences like bullying, peer pressure, or even feeling like they don’t fit in can add to the stress.


These social pressures can lead to deeper emotional struggles like low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression—all of which are risk factors for developing an eating disorder.

Family environment matters, too. When teens hear negative self-talk at home, see dieting

behaviors, or are around family members who are dealing with eating disorders themselves, it can increase the chances of them developing similar issues.


What To Do If My Teen Has An Eating Disorder

If you believe your teen might be struggling with an eating disorder—or if you think you might be—it’s important to recognize that you’ve already taken the first step: educating yourself. Learning about the signs and risk factors of eating disorders opens the door for meaningful conversations, even when those conversations feel scary or uncomfortable.


By talking openly about eating disorders, we help reduce the stigma that surrounds them. And when the stigma fades, it becomes easier for people to reach out and get the help they deserve. As you move through this process, remember to lead with compassion—for yourself or for your loved one. 


Eating disorders are never a choice. They are complex mental health conditions, and

the people who struggle with them are deserving of kind, understanding, and supportive care. In many cases, seeking professional help is an important next step. Therapy can provide a safe space to explore the underlying issues behind the eating disorder, learn healthier coping skills, and rebuild a more positive relationship with food and body image. With the right support, it is possible to live a full, meaningful life—one that isn’t controlled by disordered eating.


Resources


Book: When Your Teen Has an Eating Disorder: Practical Strategies to Help Your Teen

Recover from Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating by Lauren Muhlheim


Podcast: Supporting a Child Through an Eating Disorder with Holly Thorssen,


Podcast: Understanding Disordered Eating in Youth with Michael Manzano,


Podcast: Early signs of an eating disorder with Paediatric Dietitian Lyza Norton,



Other Mental Health Services Offered in PA, NJ, DE, SC, MD, CT, VT, 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, Vermont, 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, Vermont, 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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