Does your child have an eating disorder? Expert psychologist reveals the 5 key warning signs you need to look out for

• Dr Lynne, a chief clinical officer from London, explains how to seek advice
• She shares how to promote healthy discussions about food in the home

Eating disorders are a mental health condition that are frequently misunderstood, and the associated shame and judgement can mean those affected are especially likely to hid their condition from others.

According to BEAT, an estimated 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder of some kind, and this marks Eating Disorder Awareness Week – aimed at raising awareness and banishing misconceptions.

Conditions such as anorexia and binge eating disorder can affect people of any age, but often arise in childhood and the teenage years.

And with concealement a common factor, how can you tell if your child is among those struggling?

Former NHS consultant clinical psychologist of 20 years, Dr Lynne Greene tells FEMAIl the signs you need to keep an eye out for if you are worried your child.

An estimated 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder of some kind, but how can you tell if your child is among those struggling. A former NHS consultant clinical psychologist of 20 years reveals the warning signs to FEMAIL (stock image)

There are a myriad of signs your child may be developing an unhealthy relationship with food, according to Dr Lynne, who was a lead consultant psychologist for children’s eating disorders and adolescent inpatient services.

‘It’s not always easy to tell if a child’s eating has become a problem,’ she said.

‘There are a lot of overlaps between diet culture and eating difficulties, so noticing the signs early on can be tricky.

‘It’s important to remember that a child doesn’t have to be underweight to have an eating disorder.’

Explaining that eating disorders can happen at any weight, the former clinical lead for CAMHS explained:

‘In fact, the false idea that a child needs to be underweight to have an eating disorder is damaging because it can prevent early diagnosis.

‘It’s important to remember that early indicators of eating difficulties may not necessarily only be behaviours around food and eating.

‘Eating difficulties can present themselves in different ways for different people.’

1. Becoming obsessive about food intake

Among the possible indicators your child may have an eating disorder is if they begin obsessively calorie counting or make big changes to their diet.

This may include cutting out entire food groups altogether, according to Dr Lynne, or even grouping them into ‘good’ and ‘bad’ categories.

Another behavioural change you may notice is that your child might being to start skipping meals or avoid eat around others, the chief clinical officer at Kooth added.

However, spotting eating disorders isn’t an exact science, and some conditions can often be conflated with others, according to Dr Lynne.

‘Children with gastrointestinal issues, food allergies, or sensory processing difficulties may struggle with their relationship with food and may engage in behaviours similar to those seen in eating disorders as a way of coping.’

She said: ‘Loss of appetite is also linked with other mental health disorders, such as depression or severe anxiety.

‘Seeking support from professionals who specialise in helping individuals with eating difficulties can be helpful, as they are best placed to conduct a thorough assessment.’

2. Over-exercising 

Excessive exercising is a warning sign a young person in your care may be developing an eating disorder – but it can be difficult to spot, the psychologist explained.

Key indicators of over-exercising are continuing with activity even when unwell or injured, Dr Lynne divulged.

Explaining how to approach your child about a potential health concern, Dr Lynne stated that keeping lines of communication open is essential.

‘If you have become worried, trust your instinct. Whatever the change you have noticed, it’s always important to have an open and honest conversation about it.’

She added: ‘Parents should try to approach their child openly and without judgement.

‘Keep in mind that your child may not have acknowledged to themselves that there’s a problem, so they may be resistant initially.

‘Conversely, they may be aware that something is wrong and feeling really anxious so just knowing that you have noticed and are there to support them will likely be reassuring in itself.’

3. Obsessively checking their body 

According to Dr Lynne a tell-tale sign of an eating disorder is obsessively weighing oneself or checking the body constantly.

Whilst weighing yourself every now and again may be normal, hitting the scales daily can not only be a sign of a burgeoning issue and can also impact mood, she said.

The chief clinical officer elaborated that your child developing a distorted view of their appearance may also be an early sign of an eating disorder.

This includes your youngster believing they are overweight, being unable to see they have lost weight or even thinking they can visibly see the food they’ve just eaten.

However, as parents there are preventative measures that can be taken to promote healthy relationships with food and body image in the home.

‘Parents and primary caregivers play a crucial role in protecting their children from external factors that could lead to the development of eating disorders,’ Dr Lynne said.

‘One way to promote a healthy relationship with food, our emotions, and our bodies is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where children can talk about their feelings and concerns.

‘This can include conversations about food, self-perception, body image, and how they view themselves and others.’

She added: ‘Children learn by modelling therefore, parents can model healthy behaviours regarding food and body image.

‘Encouraging balanced eating habits, being mindful of the language used around food, and avoiding dieting behaviours or derogatory comments about their bodies can be helpful.’

4. Rapid Behavioural Changes 

Signs of a developing issue with food won’t only manifest in their relationship with food but also in their emotional behaviour.

Irritability, becoming withdrawn or more fatigued are indicators that the body may be starved of nourishment, according to Dr Lynne.

Other signals may include your child lacking motivation or the desire to socialise.

They may also become overly preoccupied with their appearance, avoiding having pictures taken or even mirrors and surfaces where they may see their reflection, the psychologist explained.

However, the former consultant clinical psychologist urged parents to teach their children to ‘appreciate their bodies’.

‘It can be helpful to teach children to appreciate their bodies and celebrate their uniqueness whilst acknowledging the challenges that stem from images seen in social media and other sources.

She added: ‘By engaging in such discussions, children can begin to understand how to differentiate between fact and fiction and develop the ability to evaluate information and form their own opinions, especially when exposed to content that might be misleading or inappropriate.’

5. Changes in their physical appearance 

Although Dr Lynne stresses that people with eating disorders don’t look one particular way, changes in your child’s physical appearance may hint towards an underlying issue.

According to the clinical psychologist, signs to look out for include weight loss or fluctuations, dental issues, changes in menstrual cycle and hair loss or thinning.

‘Eating difficulties can be really worrying, but they are treatable,’ said Dr Lynne.

‘We know that early intervention means the best possible outcomes and that the support of friends and family is crucial for recovery.’

Explaining that the first GP appointment can be daunting, Dr Lynne encourages parents to offer to attend with their child, adding that even a small gesture can make a ‘huge difference’.

She added: ‘As well as providing emotional support, you will likely have insights into your child’s behaviour that they don’t. which can help the GP build a more well-rounded picture of what’s been happening.’

Beat,the UK’s eating disorder charity, has a range of support available and also has leaflets available to parents on how to prepare and navigate the first GP appointment.

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