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.

refeeding syndrome is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication that can occur when a malnourished child starts eating again after a period of severe restriction or starvation. It happens because the body, after being in starvation mode, struggles to process nutrients properly when food is reintroduced too quickly. Understanding the risks, symptoms, and prevention strategies is crucial for parents helping a child recover from an eating disorder.

Therapy is a critical component of pediatric eating disorder recovery, addressing the underlying emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of the disorder. Since eating disorders are not just about food, therapy helps children develop healthy coping mechanisms, challenge disordered thoughts, and rebuild a positive relationship with food and body image.

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.

The way we talk to children about food, weight, and body image has a profound impact on their self-esteem, eating habits, and long-term relationship with food. A positive, non-judgmental approach can help prevent body dissatisfaction and reduce the risk of disordered eating behaviors.

Eating disorders are complex conditions influenced by both genetic predisposition and environmental factors. While genes can increase vulnerability, environmental triggers—such as societal pressures, family dynamics, and life experiences—often play a significant role in the development and progression of eating disorders.

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 can have severe and lasting effects on physical growth, brain development, and overall health. Because childhood and adolescence are critical periods for growth, inadequate nutrition can cause irreversible damage to bones, organs, and cognitive function.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterized by extreme food avoidance and restriction, but unlike anorexia, it is not driven by body image concerns. ARFID goes beyond normal picky eating and can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, and social impairments.

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.

In recent months, the phrase “girl dinner” has exploded across social media — often paired with aesthetic TikToks of small, snack-style meals: a few crackers, some fruit, cheese, or a random mix of whatever’s in the fridge. At first glance, it might seem lighthearted or even empowering. But beneath the trend’s quirky name and pastel filters, "girl dinner" may be normalizing disordered eating behaviors, especially for impressionable teens.

In recent years, there has been a notable rise in eating disorders (EDs) among younger children, including those as young as 6 to 12 years old. Traditionally associated with adolescents and adults, eating disorders are now being diagnosed earlier, raising concerns about early-onset disordered eating behaviors and their long-term impact on physical and mental health.

Transgender individuals face a significantly higher risk of developing eating disorders (EDs) compared to their cisgender peers. This increased vulnerability is linked to body dysphoria, societal pressures, discrimination, and mental health struggles.

Steroid use, particularly anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), can be a significant indicator of eating disorders in males, often tied to body image concerns and muscle dysmorphia (bigorexia). While eating disorders in men can sometimes go unnoticed due to societal stigma, excessive focus on muscularity and leanness—often leading to steroid abuse—can be a key warning sign.

Naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist, has been studied as a potential treatment for eating disorders in adolescents, particularly for binge eating disorder (BED), bulimia nervosa (BN), and hyperphagia associated with conditions like Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). However, its use in teens remains off-label and requires careful consideration.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and liraglutide (Saxenda), have gained attention for their role in weight management and diabetes treatment. These medications work by regulating appetite, slowing digestion, and improving insulin sensitivity. While they have been widely used in adults, their use in adolescents is a growing area of research and debate.