When we think of eating disorders, we often picture psychological symptoms: fear of weight gain, body image concerns, anxiety around food. But in children and adolescents, eating disorders have a unique and often silent consequence — interrupted growth.

Growth is a primary biological task during childhood and adolescence. It reflects not only nutritional health, but also endocrine function, bone development, and brain maturation. In the context of an eating disorder, malnutrition can disrupt this process, leading to long-term physical consequences if left unaddressed.

Puberty is a critical period for physical, emotional, and psychological development, but it can also be a high-risk time for the onset of eating disorders. The combination of hormonal changes, body image concerns, social pressures, and emotional shifts makes adolescents more vulnerable to developing disordered eating behaviors.