ARE YOU WORRIED THAT YOUR
CHILD HAS AN EATING DISORDER?
10 Risk Factors for Developing an Eating Disorder in Adolescents
Prepuberty and puberty is the most vulnerable time in a child’s development when it comes to eating disorders, and while this list is not exhaustive, these are some of the most common risk factors for adolescents.
It is important to remember that ALL eating disorders are a mental illness first, and will often be developing behind the scenes before any behaviours become apparent. Many eating disorders go undiagnosed for an extended period of time because they may not initially appear like an eating disorder.
If you suspect your child has an eating disorder, TRUST YOUR INSTINCT. Early intervention is correlated with much higher rates of long term recovery, and lessens the probability of the life-altering physical impact that eating disorders can cause, such as osteoporosis.
-
Studies of families have found that having a first-degree relative (like a parent or sibling) with an eating disorder increases a person’s risk of developing an eating disorder.
-
Being teased or bullied – especially weight or appearance based – is a risk factor in many eating disorders.
Individuals with eating disorders are up to three times more likely to have experienced bullying or teasing about their appearance than those without an eating disorder.
-
A significant subset of people with eating disorders have experienced past trauma, such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.
Childhood trauma can be a risk factor for the onset of all types of eating disorders, particularly when the trauma is held in secret, leading to high levels of shame.
-
This does not inherently imply a family dynamic is abusive, neglectful, or toxic. Some families have limited communication skills, generational trauma, or complicated dynamics that can contribute to a child developing an eating disorder as a coping mechanism.
-
Particularly sports with a high emphasis on aesthetics such as dance, swimming, gymnastics, running, body building, or that have weight requirements.
Book a FREE Consultation
-
Many people report that their disorder began with deliberate efforts to diet or restrict the amount and/or type of food they were eating. Parents should also observe a change in their child's eating patterns, such as becoming a vegetarian or vegan suddenly, as many people do this as a socially acceptable way to avoid certain food groups and/or social food situations..
-
Puberty that happens early is called precocious puberty. This means a child's physical signs of sexual maturity develop too soon.
This increases the likelihood of body dissatisfaction, body awareness, bullying, sexualized attention, and anxiety - all of which are potential risk factors for developing an eating disorder.
-
Individuals who have low or negative body image have also typically internalized the message of the socially-defined “ideal body”. This preoccupation and dissatisfaction can lead to behaviours to change/control the body.
-
Limited social connection, and the accompanying feelings of loneliness and isolation are common experiences for people who develop eating disorders, particularly anorexia and binge eating disorder.
-
One of the strongest risk factors for an eating disorder is perfectionism, especially a type of perfectionism called self-oriented perfectionism, which involves setting unrealistically high expectations for yourself. Youth who also display traits of cognitive inflexibility, emotional dysregulation, and/or impulsivity may be at even higher risk.
Join Our Free Parent Support Group
And receive a free copy of “My Child Has An Eating Disorder… Now what?
(Also available for purchase for $2.99)
Navigating the journey of eating disorder recovery with your child can feel overwhelming and lonely, but we want you to know that you are not alone. At The Holistic ED Recovery Center, we witness daily the courage and love that parents like you bring into our community. Our private parent group offers a safe community of parents who are also navigating this journey.