Eating disorders are uncommon but very serious mental health conditions that also affect physical health.
Many young people worry about what they look like, and might try dieting or exercising to lose weight. But, these behaviours are different to those of young people with an eating disorder.
Young people with an eating disorder are overly concerned with eating, exercise, body weight or shape.
A young person does not need to be thin to have an eating disorder. Even if your child is not underweight, be alert to the amount, speed and duration of their weight loss. These factors can be of concern.
These are the most common eating disorders:
Anorexia nervosa is when a young person has a fear of gaining weight, restricts the amount of food they eat, and has a distorted body image.
Bulimia nervosa is when a young person eats very large amounts of food and then gets rid of it. This could be through vomiting or using laxatives, diuretics or enemas.
Binge eating disorder is when a young person eats very large amounts of food and feels distressed about their eating, but doesn’t try to get rid of the food.
ARFID is when a child or young person eats only a small range or amount of food and doesn't get all the nutrients they need.
See the KidsHealth's page on ARFID for more information [1]
It is important to watch for certain signs. Parents may notice if their young person is not eating the same way as the rest of the family and whānau. Young people with eating disorders often think they are OK. They often believe they do not have a problem with their eating. This is not a reason to delay or prevent getting them help. The earlier they get help, the more likely they are to get better.
Your young person may have an eating disorder if they show any of the following signs or symptoms:
Friends, teachers or coaches might notice if your young person is showing some of these signs.
Swollen or puffy cheeks, damaged teeth or gums, and sores on the knuckles or hands might be signs that your child is making themselves vomit.
Parents play an important role in identifying if their young person has an eating disorder and getting help for them.
If you notice any of the signs above, talk with your child and family doctor as soon as you can. If you think that something isn't right about the way your child is eating or behaving around food, trust yourself and seek help.
It's important to be sensitive, caring and non-judgmental when you talk with your child about food, weight and body image. It will be a difficult conversation.
You might feel worried, and your child might get angry and say there isn't a problem. Even if this happens, try to stay calm and send the message that you're concerned about your child's health and wellbeing, not your child's weight or how they look. You might need to say that your young person needs to see a health professional.
If you're not sure how to talk with your child about these issues, you could ask your family doctor or a mental health professional for help. Contacting a support organisation for eating disorders is another option.
Eating Disorders Association of New Zealand (EDANZ) [2]offers a support service for carers. Contact EDANZ on 0800 2 EDANZ / 0800 2 33269 or at info@ed.org.nz [3].
If you think your child or young person has an eating disorder, visit your family doctor straightaway and ask for a referral to an eating disorder specialist service.
Getting help early is the best way to get your young person better more quickly. It is never too early to be concerned.
See the KidsHealth page on eating disorders and getting help for your young person [4]
See the KidsHealth's section on emotional and mental wellbeing [5]
This page last reviewed 19 May 2023.
Email us [8] your feedback
Links
[1] https://kidshealth.org.nz/avoidant-restrictive-food-intake-disorder-arfid
[2] https://www.ed.org.nz/
[3] mailto:info@ed.org.nz
[4] https://kidshealth.org.nz/eating-disorders-getting-help-your-young-person
[5] https://kidshealth.org.nz/tags/emotional-mental-wellbeing
[6] https://raisingchildren.net.au/
[7] https://www.feast-ed.org/warning-signs-of-an-eating-disorder-what-a-parent-will-see/
[8] https://kidshealth.org.nz/contact?from=http%3A%2F%2Fkidshealth.org.nz%2Fprint%2F2787%3Flanguage%3Drar