Both sun exposure and eating disorders (EDs) can negatively impact your skin, but in different ways. While excessive sun exposure can lead to premature aging and skin cancer, eating disorders can cause severe skin issues due to malnutrition, dehydration, and hormone imbalances.

The short answer is: Yes, full recovery from an eating disorder is possible, but the process looks different for everyone. Recovery is not always quick or linear, but with the right support, healing is achievable.

One of the most powerful shifts in eating disorder recovery is recognizing that no food is inherently “bad” or “good.” All foods provide value—whether it’s for nutrition, energy, comfort, or cultural connection.

Changing eating habits—whether for eating disorder recovery, intuitive eating, or improving nutrition—is a gradual process that takes time, patience, and self-compassion. You won’t wake up one day with a completely different mindset, and that’s okay.

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.

Exercise is essential for overall health, but excessive exercise can lead to serious physical, mental, and emotional health risks. Overexercise is particularly concerning in individuals with eating disorders, body image concerns, or compulsive exercise tendencies, as it can cause injury, burnout, and long-term health complications.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Saxenda) are increasingly used for weight management and diabetes, including in patients who have had bariatric surgery. However, there are important considerations regarding safety, effectiveness, and interactions with eating behaviors that must be addressed.

Many teens with eating disorders (EDs) struggle with poor sleep quality, including insomnia, frequent waking, or restless sleep. Disruptions in sleep can make mood, appetite regulation, and recovery harder, so establishing good sleep hygiene is essential.

Children with eating disorders (EDs) often develop nutrient deficiencies due to food restriction, purging, or extreme selective eating. These deficiencies can affect growth, brain function, energy levels, and overall health. Proper nutrition restoration is key to healing and preventing long-term complications.

Eating disorders significantly impact gut health, leading to digestive issues, altered gut bacteria, and long-term gastrointestinal (GI) complications. The relationship between the gut and the brain (gut-brain axis) means that disordered eating not only affects digestion but also mood, anxiety, and mental health. Understanding this connection can help improve treatment, symptom management, and recovery.

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.

Teaching children about food is important, but overemphasizing "healthy eating" messages can unintentionally create food anxieties, disordered eating behaviors, and negative body image. What starts as a well-intentioned effort to promote health can lead to rigid food rules, guilt around eating certain foods, and an unhealthy relationship with food.

Weight restoration is a critical part of eating disorder recovery for children who have lost a significant amount of weight due to anorexia nervosa, ARFID, or other restrictive eating disorders. However, this process can be emotionally challenging for both the child and the parents. Understanding what to expect, how to handle resistance, and how to provide emotional and practical support is key to a successful recovery.

When a child is diagnosed with an eating disorder (ED), treatment is essential for their physical health, emotional well-being, and long-term recovery. Early intervention increases the likelihood of full recovery, but the process can be challenging and emotional for families. Here’s what to expect from pediatric eating disorder treatment and how parents can support their child through recovery.

In 2023, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released updated guidelines on the treatment of children and adolescents with overweight and obesity — the first major update in 15 years. These new recommendations have generated a great deal of discussion — especially among pediatricians, therapists, dietitians, and parents of children in larger bodies.

Schools play a pivotal role in shaping children’s attitudes toward health, nutrition, and body image. Given that young people spend a significant portion of their day in the classroom, educational institutions have both the opportunity and responsibility to identify early signs of disordered eating and foster environments that encourage healthy habits (National Eating Disorders Association, 2023). By implementing comprehensive policies, training staff, and engaging families, schools can help prevent and address pediatric eating disorders before they escalate.

Treating pediatric eating disorders effectively involves more than focusing solely on symptoms related to food and body weight. A holistic approach aims to address all aspects of a child’s well-being, including their physical, emotional, social, and developmental needs. By evaluating the whole person rather than isolating the problem to eating behaviors alone, caregivers and professionals can create a more comprehensive plan that fosters lasting recovery

Proper nutrition is a cornerstone in the treatment and recovery of pediatric eating disorders. Diet plays a multifaceted role in healing by addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of these disorders. Establishing balanced, nourishing eating habits not only repairs the body but also supports emotional and cognitive recovery.

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.

Most patients with eating disorders are treated outpatient or in specialized programs (like IOP or residential). However, a trip to the emergency room may be necessary when there's a medical emergency or acute safety risk, including: