5 warning signs of an eating disorder in kids and teens

Eating disorders aren't always easy to spot. What might begin with an interest in healthy eating, exercise or changing body image can sometimes turn into an unhealthy obsession with food, weight or appearance.

“Unhealthy eating habits can affect any child at any age, and you can't always tell by looking at someone if they have an eating disorder,” says Maria Lavaia, MD, a pediatrician at Atlantic Health.

She explains that social media and pressures on adolescents and teens all contribute to unhealthy eating patterns. Plus, anxiety, depression and emotional challenges often accompany an eating disorder, which makes them even more difficult to recognize.

Here are a few early warning signs that can make a difference for both parents and kids.

1. Changes in eating patterns

Notice if your child develops rigid food rules, skips meals, avoids certain foods or has anxiety or guilt about eating. Your child may even eat in secret or begin to act differently around food with family or friends.

“It’s not just a change in eating habits, it’s a change in the child’s overall relationship with food,” says Dr. Lavaia. “Eating disorders aren't only about restricting food. They can involve binge eating or purging behaviors, too.”

2. Obsession with weight and appearance

Pay attention if your child suddenly becomes overly focused on calorie counting, weight or body image. An obsession with the scale or the mirror — along with negative comments about their appearance — are worth exploring.

Dr. Lavaia says, “Social media can fuel an eating disorder because the images are often filtered and unrealistic.”

3. Compulsive exercising

Fitness should be fun and flexible. If exercise routines become rigid or compulsive, it may signal a problem. Watch for kids who feel guilty if they miss a workout or exercise secretly, particularly after eating.

4. Changes in mood and behavior

Sometimes the early signs of an eating disorder show up as a child who is irritable, anxious, sad or socially withdrawn. Your child may even choose to stop eating dinner with the family, avoid restaurants and decline social invitations.

“Mood changes are common in adolescents and teens, but parents should key in on persistent behaviors that are noticeably different from their child's day-to-day personality,” says Dr. Lavaia.

5. Clear physical changes

A child does not have to be underweight to signal an eating disorder. Rapid weight gain, in fact, can also be a sign. And even if lab results come back as “normal,” it doesn’t mean that everything is always fine. So, how do you know?

These physical signs are most often connected to unhealthy eating patterns:

Unexplained weight loss or gain
Fatigue, dizziness or fainting
Feeling unusually cold
Thinning hair or menstrual changes
Difficulty concentrating
Declining athletic performance

What should parents do?

If you notice these types of changes, don’t wait. Start a calm and non-critical conversation with your child.

Dr. Lavaia suggests saying, “I've noticed some changes in your behavior. Do you want to talk about it?” Once the conversation has started, follow it up with a visit to your pediatrician.

“We will review your child’s growth patterns, evaluate their physical symptoms, discuss emotional and behavioral changes, and help determine if specialized care is needed,” says Dr. Lavaia. “Getting specialists involved sooner rather than later is really important.”

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Published: October 30, 2026

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