Many people who live with eating disorders can't point to a single moment when it all began. Instead, what starts as seemingly “normal” behaviors — skipping meals, counting calories, following food rules — slowly, quietly, and insidiously evolves into something much harder to escape.

This slow slide is what makes disordered eating so dangerous: it doesn’t always start as a disorder, but for many, it becomes one.

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) is the official manual used by doctors, psychologists, and mental health professionals to diagnose mental health conditions, including eating disorders. It provides standardized criteria that help determine if someone meets the clinical definition of a disorder.

Awareness ribbons are used to show support, raise awareness, and honor those affected by eating disorders (EDs). Different colors are associated with different types of eating disorders, recovery journeys, and advocacy efforts.

The short answer is yes, having one eating disorder (ED) increases the risk of developing another, but it’s not inevitable. Understanding why this happens and how to prevent it can help you stay on a path toward full recovery rather than shifting between different ED behaviors.

Many people think osteoporosis and bone loss only happen to older adults, but the truth is bone health is built during childhood, teen years, and early adulthood. If you’ve struggled with an eating disorder, overexercise, or nutrient deficiencies, your bones might already be at risk—even if you're young.

Eating disorder recovery is a long and challenging journey, but full recovery is possible. Many families have walked this path and seen their children regain health, happiness, and a positive relationship with food. Below are realistic and hopeful success stories of kids who have recovered, along with the key lessons their families learned.

Some children develop intense fear or anxiety around specific foods, which can stem from sensory issues, choking incidents, past illness, or anxiety-related eating disorders like ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). Whether your child refuses certain textures, fears food contamination, or avoids entire food groups, gentle and structured exposure can help them regain confidence with eating.

Protein shakes and nutritional supplements are sometimes used in the treatment of pediatric eating disorders, but their role must be carefully considered. While they can provide essential nutrients and calories, their use should be monitored by medical professionals to ensure they support recovery rather than reinforce disordered eating behaviors.

Eating disorders in children are often misunderstood, leading to delayed diagnosis, ineffective interventions, and stigma. Here are some of the most common myths and the facts that debunk them.

The grainy texture of natural peanut butter, the strong aroma of Italian food cooked with tons of garlic, the crunch of a sweet apple…these experiences may be just another part of a day fr some, but for others, the flavor, texture or smell of these types of food can be a difficult challenge to overcome. 

For those struggling with Sensory Processing Disorder, the sensitives around certain food can be debilitating and impact their quality of life. 

Eating disorders in children and adolescents can be challenging to detect early because some behaviors may be mistaken for “typical” teenage moodiness or picky eating. However, certain warning signs and changes in behavior or physical health can indicate that an eating disorder may be developing. It’s important to remember that no single sign confirms an eating disorder, but a pattern of behaviors or symptoms may warrant a closer look and professional evaluation.

One of the lesser talked-about — but emotionally painful — side effects of eating disorders is hair loss or noticeable changes in hair texture, thickness, or growth. For many teens and young adults, especially, these physical signs can increase distress or shame.

In a world of viral trends, TikTok “nutritionists,” and endless wellness influencers, it’s no surprise that eating disorders are often misrepresented, oversimplified — or dangerously glamorized. Misinformation about eating disorders doesn’t just create confusion — it can delay treatment, fuel shame, and even worsen outcomes for those struggling.

When we talk about malnutrition, people often think of physical signs — weight loss, weakness, or fatigue. But one of the most profound (and often invisible) effects of malnutrition happens where we least expect it:

The brain.

Whether from an eating disorder like anorexia nervosa, ARFID, or even chronic dieting, undernourishment directly affects how the brain functions, feels, and processes the world. And when the brain is underfed, it can impact everything from emotions to memory, focus, sleep, and even personality.

Let’s take a look at how malnutrition changes the brain — and why nutritional rehabilitation is critical not just for the body, but for the mind.

We often hear the terms “disordered eating” and “eating disorder” used interchangeably — especially in wellness circles, school settings, or on social media. But while they’re related, they are not the same thing.

Understanding the difference can help parents, providers, and individuals recognize red flags earlier and get the right level of support — before things get more serious.

When most people hear the term “eating disorder,” they tend to picture extreme thinness or assume it’s all about food. But eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect people of all body sizes, genders, ages, and backgrounds — and they don’t all look the same.

Whether you’re a parent, provider, or someone seeking answers, it’s important to understand the different types of eating disorders. Recognizing the signs is the first step toward healing.