Understanding Eating Issues in Teens
This week’s session, Understanding Eating Issues in Teens, explored one of the most challenging and sensitive topics facing families today: teenage eating disorders. Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr Georgie Cox joined us to share her expertise on identifying early warning signs, supporting recovery, and navigating the complex influences shaping young people’s relationships with food.
Recognising Early Signs
Spotting the early signs of an eating disorder can be difficult, especially since many overlap with typical teenage behaviours. However, some key indicators should not be ignored:
Consistent food restriction – regularly skipping meals, cutting out food groups, or showing a sudden interest in dieting.
Secretive eating or bingeing – evidence such as hidden food wrappers or disappearing snacks.
Purging behaviours – frequent bathroom visits after meals.
Body image obsession – excessive mirror checking, avoiding social activities, or expressing extreme dissatisfaction with appearance.
Dr Cox emphasised that while some of these may appear subtle, a pattern of restrictive or secretive eating warrants attention. Early recognition and support can make a significant difference in recovery outcomes.
Social Media and Eating Trends
Social media is a powerful force shaping how teenagers see themselves and their bodies. Platforms often promote unrealistic beauty ideals, edited images, and harmful eating trends disguised as “wellness”.
Encouraging teenagers to critically evaluate what they see online can help build resilience. Discussing how genetics, lighting, and photo editing influence online appearances offers a more realistic perspective. Creating a home environment where these conversations are open and judgement-free helps counteract the pressure of perfectionism.
Encouraging Intuitive Eating
At home, fostering a relaxed and balanced approach to food can support healthy attitudes. “Intuitive eating” encourages young people to listen to their hunger cues, enjoy a variety of foods, and avoid labelling them as “good” or “bad”.
Family meals provide an opportunity to model these behaviours - using neutral language around food and avoiding comments about weight or body shape. They’re not just about nutrition; shared meals strengthen connection, communication, and overall family wellbeing.
Seeking Professional Help
If concerns persist despite efforts at home, it’s essential to seek professional help early. A visit to your GP can help assess physical health and refer to specialist eating disorder services.
For additional guidance, the Beat charity website offers a wealth of information, resources, and support for parents and carers. Remember: eating disorders can affect individuals of any weight or body type - early intervention is key to recovery.
The Role of Family Therapy
Family therapy remains one of the most effective interventions, as it actively involves parents and siblings in the recovery process. Eating disorders can become psychologically rewarding for those affected, making self-motivation to recover difficult.
In family therapy, parents help re-establish regular eating patterns, take supportive control during mealtimes, and gradually empower the young person to regain independence. Importantly, it also provides space for siblings to express their own feelings and be part of the journey, reducing the isolation many families experience.
Supporting Neurodivergent Teens
For neurodivergent teenagers, such as those with autism or ADHD, therapy may need to be tailored to their unique needs and sensory preferences. While the recommended treatments remain similar, small adaptations - like considering food textures or structured routines - can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts
Supporting a teenager with an eating disorder requires patience, understanding, and collaboration. Through early identification, family involvement, and professional support, recovery is absolutely possible.
As Dr Cox reminded us, family meals not only nurture healthier relationships with food but are also linked to improved academic outcomes, emotional wellbeing, and lower risk-taking behaviours.
If you missed this week’s session, you can rewatch the full discussion on our online hub - where you’ll find expert insights and practical advice for parents, caregivers, and educators covering a huge range of teen mental health and wellbeing topics.