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Eating disorders in teens: signs and how to help
A guide for parents on spotting eating disorder warning signs, helping at home, and knowing when to get urgent care.
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What it is
Eating disorders are mental health conditions. They involve altered eating behavior, wrong thoughts, and high concern about weight, diet, and body image [1]. These disorders can cause serious physical, psychological, and social problems [1].
Anorexia and bulimia nervosa often appear during adolescence and youth [8]. They are more common in adolescent girls than boys [8]. Eating disorders can affect physical health and often occur with depression, anxiety, and substance misuse [8]. Anorexia can lead to early death, often from medical complications or suicide [8].
Physical signs may include:
- Menstrual problems [2]
- Weight loss or sudden changes [2]
- Dental issues, such as enamel loss or cavities [2]
- Bone weakening [2]
- Swollen cheeks from self-induced vomiting [2]
- Lanugo, which is fine baby-like hair in new areas [2]
Psychological and behavioral signs may include:
- Disrespectful comments about their own body [2]
- Extreme worry about figure, diet, and weight [2]
- Low self-esteem [2]
- Distorted body image [2]
- Emotional instability, isolation, irritability, and impulsivity [2]
- Perfectionism and dissatisfaction [2]
- Increased rigidity and obsession [2]
- Changes in eating habits or strange rituals with food [4]
- Excessive exercise [4]
- Obsession with weighing themselves [4]
- Growing interest in cooking, clothes, or fashion [4]
- Going to the bathroom or room right after eating [4]
- Buying and using weight-loss products [4]
What you can do at home
If you detect warning signs in a family member, you can help by:
- Creating a safe and understanding environment, avoiding judgments and criticism [7]
- Offering support and company during the process to encourage treatment adherence [7]
- Providing a safe space where they can express fears or difficulties [7]
- Avoiding comments about their weight and body image [7]
- Avoiding conversations about food, diets, or weight [7]
- Proposing other activities of interest to help distract them [7]
- Keeping a healthy and calm environment during meals [7]
- Eating five times a day: breakfast, mid-morning, lunch, snack, and dinner [7]
- Eating seated and with the usual household members [7]
In Spain, if you suspect an eating disorder, go to your primary care health center and inform them [6]. They can refer you to the child and adolescent mental health center [6]. There are also urgent resources by phone or at pediatric emergency services [6].
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
Go to the emergency department if your child has:
- Swelling in the arms or legs [3]
- Fainting, seizures, or low blood sugar [3]
- Refusal to eat for 24 hours or more [3]
- Severe behavioral changes [3]
Common questions
How common are eating disorders in teens? They affect about 0.1% of adolescents aged 10 to 14 years and 0.4% of those aged 15 to 19 years [8]. They are associated with suicide [8].
Are eating disorders serious? Yes. They can cause serious physical, psychological, and social problems [1]. Anorexia has a higher death rate than any other mental disorder [8].
What should I do first if I suspect a problem? Go to your primary care center and explain the situation [6]. They can guide you on next steps and referrals [6].
Sources
[1] SEUP — “Trastornos de la conducta alimentaria. Información para padres” (2025), section “¿QUÉ SON LOS TRASTORNOS DE LA CONDUCTA ALIMENTARIA (TCA)?”, p. 1 [2] SEUP — “Trastornos de la conducta alimentaria. Información para padres” (2025), section “PREVENCIÓN Y MANEJO DE LOS TRASTORNOS DE LA CONDUCTA ALIMENTARIA”, p. 1 [3] SEUP — “Trastornos de la conducta alimentaria. Información para padres” (2025), section “¿CUÁNDO DEBEMOS CONSULTAR EN UN SERVICIO DE URGENCIAS?”, p. 2 [4] SEUP — “Trastornos de la conducta alimentaria. Información para padres” (2025), section “singnos y síntomas pSICOLÓGICOS”, p. 1 [6] SEUP — “Trastornos de la conducta alimentaria. Información para padres” (2025), section “¿DÓNDE PUEDO ACUDIR SI PRESENTA ALGUNA DE LAS SEÑALES DE ALARMA?”, p. 2 [7] SEUP — “Trastornos de la conducta alimentaria. Información para padres” (2025), section “signos y síntomas conductuales signos y síntomas físicos SI SE TRATA DE UN FAMILIAR, ¿CÓMO PUEDO AYUDAR A LA PERSONA SI DETECTO ESTAS SEÑALES?”, p. 2 [8] WHO — “La salud mental de los adolescentes”, section “Trastornos de la conducta alimentaria”, p. 1 — https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
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