Puberty and Eating Disorders: Understanding the Risks and Prevention

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.

Why Does Puberty Increase the Risk of Eating Disorders?

Key factors that make puberty a high-risk period:

·         Rapid body changes and weight gain

o   Puberty naturally causes weight gain due to hormonal shifts and growth spurts

o   Girls experience increased fat distribution in the hips, thighs, and stomach, which can trigger body dissatisfaction

o   Boys may feel pressure to be leaner or more muscular, leading to dieting or over-exercising

·         Hormonal changes affecting mood and appetite

o   Increased estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol can cause mood swings, cravings, and emotional sensitivity

o   Hormonal fluctuations may trigger impulsive eating behaviors, restriction, or binge episodes

·         Increased social comparison and peer pressure

o   Teens become more aware of their appearance and compare themselves to peers and media influences

o   Social media and beauty standards promote unrealistic body expectations

·         Psychological vulnerability (anxiety, depression, low self-esteem)

o   Adolescents with perfectionistic traits, anxiety, or low self-esteem are more prone to eating disorders

o   Emotional eating or restriction may develop as a way to cope with stress, academic pressure, or peer rejection

·         Increased awareness of diet culture

o   Teens are exposed to dieting, weight-loss trends, and “clean eating” messages, leading to fear of food and body changes

o   Family influence → If parents are dieting or making negative comments about food, children may develop similar behaviors

·         Puberty is a time of identity formation and emotional turbulence, making adolescents more vulnerable to developing eating disorders.

Common Eating Disorders That Develop During Puberty

The most common EDs that emerge in puberty:

Eating Disorder Type

Common Triggers in Puberty

Signs to Watch For

Anorexia Nervosa (AN)

Fear of weight gain, perfectionism, control issues

Extreme food restriction, excessive exercise, rapid weight loss

Bulimia Nervosa (BN)

Emotional distress, body dissatisfaction, peer pressure

Binge eating, purging (vomiting, laxatives), secrecy around food

Binge-Eating Disorder (BED)

Stress, anxiety, low self-esteem

Eating large amounts in secret, feeling out of control, guilt

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Sensory issues, fear of choking, selective eating

Avoidance of entire food groups, slow eating, anxiety around food

Muscle Dysmorphia (Bigorexia, More Common in Boys)

Pressure to be muscular, sports performance

Excessive protein intake, steroid use, compulsive workouts

Early detection of eating disorder signs can help prevent long-term health complications.

The Impact of Eating Disorders on Puberty and Growth

·         Delayed or stunted growth

o   Malnutrition slows bone growth & height development

o   Boys may not develop muscle mass or deepening voice due to low testosterone

·         Hormonal imbalances and delayed puberty

o   Amenorrhea (loss of periods) in girls due to low estrogen

o   Delayed puberty onset in boys due to inadequate nutrition

·         Bone Loss and osteoporosis risk

o   Teens build 90% of their bone mass during adolescence—restriction can lead to permanent bone weakness

·         Cognitive and emotional impairment

o   Starvation affects brain development

§  Memory, focus, and emotional regulation suffer

o   Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal

·         Eating disorders during puberty can lead to lifelong medical consequences if not addressed early

How to Prevent Eating Disorders During Puberty

·         Encourage a Healthy Relationship with Food

o   Teach Intuitive Eating

§  Honor hunger & fullness cues instead of focusing on weight

o   Avoid Labeling Foods as “Good” or “Bad”

§  All foods fit in a balanced diet

o   Create a Positive Food Environment

§  Enjoy meals together without guilt or diet talk

·         Model body positivity and self-acceptance

o   Avoid making negative body comments (about yourself or others)

o   Encourage body appreciation for strength & function, not just appearance

o   Discuss media literacy → Teach kids that social media images are often edited and unrealistic

·         Encourage emotional coping skills

o   Help teens express emotions through journaling, art, or talking

o   Teach stress management techniques (breathing exercises, mindfulness)

o   Normalize struggles and emotional ups and downs during puberty

·         Educate about puberty changes in a positive way

o   Explain that weight gain is NORMAL & necessary for growth

o   Reassure them that bodies develop at different rates

o   Focus on health, energy, and strength over weight or appearance

Watch for Early Warning Signs and Intervene Early

·         Sudden weight loss or food avoidance

·         Increased talk about dieting or calorie counting

·         Excessive exercise beyond healthy levels

·         Skipping meals or extreme food restrictions

·         Avoiding social events involving food

·         Early intervention can prevent an eating disorder from becoming severe

Supporting a Teen Who Is Struggling with an Eating Disorder

·         What parents and caregivers can do:

o    Have open, non-judgmental conversations

§  Ask how they feel about their body & food without pressuring them

o   Encourage professional help early

§  A therapist or dietitian can guide them through recovery

o    Involve the whole family in healthy eating habits

§  Avoid making it “their problem” alone

o   Be patient and supportive

§  Recovery is a long process, and setbacks are normal

o   Focus on self-esteem beyond appearance

§  Encourage hobbies, talents, and friendships

Final Thought: Puberty is a time of immense change, and eating disorders can develop quickly. With the right education, support, and early intervention, teens can navigate this stage in a healthy and positive way.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs immediate help, please contact a healthcare professional or crisis intervention service immediately.