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Mental HealthFebruary 25, 2026🔄 Updated: Jul 12, 2026⏱ 10 min

Are you worried about your child's eating habits? Let's talk about eating disorders.

Dr. Priya Sammani
Dr. Priya Sammani, MBBS, PG Dip. FMMedical Verification
Are you worried about your child's eating habits? Let's talk about eating disorders.
You may also be concerned about your child's eating habits or refusal to eat. Some children behave strangely around food from a young age. However, it is important to know whether this is a normal food aversion or something more serious. Sometimes, this can be a sign of an eating disorder .

What exactly is an eating disorder?

Simply put, an eating disorder is a mental health condition that affects the way a person thinks and feels about food and how they eat. In this case, the relationship they have with food is not healthy. As a result, they engage in unusual, sometimes dangerous behaviors around food. This can be very harmful to their physical health as well as their mental health . Think about it, we all like some foods and don't like some. That's normal. But in an eating disorder, we constantly think about food, body weight, and body shape, and worry excessively about it, to the point that we forget about everything else in life. This is a much deeper problem than just "eating".

What are the main eating disorders seen among children and young people?

There are several types of eating disorders. Let's talk about some of the most common ones among children and young people.

1. Anorexia Nervosa

What happens in this case is that the child is extremely afraid of his body weight. Because the feeling "I am fat" is constantly in his head , he restricts his eating habits. Sometimes he skips meals, counts calories, and thinks that he is fat even though he is very underweight. He exercises excessively to lose weight.
  • Imagine this: Your daughter used to be a good eater. But now she counts calories at every meal, eats very little, and keeps saying, "I'm fat, I need to lose weight ." Even though she's very thin, she doesn't seem to care. She always seems tired, but she exercises for hours. If she has these symptoms, she could be suffering from anorexia nervosa .

2. Bulimia Nervosa

In this condition, the child eats a large amount of food at once without control (we call this `Binge Eating`). Then, out of fear and guilt, "Oh, I ate so much, now I'm going to grow up," they do various things to get rid of the food. For example, they force themselves to vomit, use laxatives, or exercise excessively.
  • For example: Your son sometimes eats a lot of food secretly, and at that time he can't stop eating. Then after a while he goes to the bathroom, and you wonder if he's going to throw up. After eating, he seems very sad and embarrassed. ThisBulimia Nervosa may be a symptom.

3. Binge Eating Disorder

In this case, as in bulimia, the child eats large amounts of food continuously without control. However, unlike in bulimia, they do not use methods to eliminate the food from their body. This can lead to weight gain. After eating, they feel a lot of guilt, shame, and disappointment with themselves .
  • Imagine this: Your child eats a lot of food when they are sad, stressed, or just plain bored. They can't stop eating even when they are full. Then they blame themselves, asking, "Why did I eat so much?" This could be a sign of binge eating disorder .

4. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

This is a little different. In this case, the child is not refusing food because of weight concerns. They are restricting food choices because of things like the color, smell, or texture of the food, or because they are afraid of choking or vomiting. This can lead to them not getting the nutrition they need, causing weight loss, and affecting their growth.
Important: Don't assume that your child has an eating disorder just because they have one or two of these symptoms. However, if you continue to notice these symptoms, or if there is a significant change in your child's behavior or eating habits, it's best to seek medical advice.

How do I know if my child has an eating disorder? – Symptoms

If a child has an eating disorder, it can be hard to recognize it right away because they try to hide it. However, there are some signs you can look out for.

Behavioral changes:

  • Constantly talking about food: Constantly talking about calories, fat , and carbohydrates .
  • Skipping meals or lying like "I've already eaten."
  • Special eating habits : Cutting food into very small pieces, separating foods, and eating only one type of food.
  • Eating secretly or hiding food.
  • As soon as I finish eating , I run to the bathroom.
  • I exercise a lot, and I don't stop even when I'm sick or injured .
  • I constantly worry about my body shape and weight, and spend a lot of time in front of the mirror.
  • Wearing big, loose clothes to hide your body shape.
  • They withdraw from social interactions , refuse to go out with friends, and refuse to eat.

Physical changes:

  • Sudden weight loss or gain, or frequent changes in weight.
  • Always tired and sleepy.
  • Dizziness (vertigo), fainting.
  • Feeling cold, even when others have a normal temperature.
  • Hair falls out, skin becomes dry, nails break.
  • Dental problems (tooth decay, tooth discoloration, especially if vomiting occurs).
  • Irregular or absent monthly periods (in girls).
  • Things like stomach upset and constipation .

Mental and behavioral changes:

  • I think too much about my weight and shape, and I'm constantly worried about it.
  • They think negatively about their body, thinking they are fat (even though they are actually thin).
  • Irritability, mood swings.
  • Symptoms of conditions such as anxiety and depression .
  • Trying to do everything perfectly, without any flaws (perfectionism) .
If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your child, please don't panic and see a doctor as soon as possible. That's the best thing you can do.

Why do children develop eating disorders like this? – What are the causes?

There is no single cause for an eating disorder. It is a complex condition that can be caused by a combination of genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors .
  • Genetic influence: If someone in the family has had an eating disorder or mental health problem, the child may be at some risk of developing the condition as well.
  • Psychological factors:
  • Low self-esteem: When you have a low opinion of yourself.
  • Trying to do everything perfectly (Perfectionism).
  • Other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD) .
  • Not knowing how to control emotions and deal with feelings like sadness and anger.
  • Social and cultural influences:
  • The media portrays unrealistic body standards of "skinny, beautiful." Seeing these can lead children to have negative thoughts about their own bodies.
  • Peer pressure, bullying about weight and shape.
  • The importance given to a thin body in some sports (e.g. gymnastics, ballet) or professions (modeling).
  • Family environment:
  • If family members are constantly trying to lose weight (diet), if they are constantly talking about food and body shape.
  • If the child is often criticized for their appearance. (This does not mean that these things happen because of the parents' fault, but such things can have an impact).
  • Communication problems in the family, excessive pressure.
  • Traumatic experiences: Things like sexual assault, physical abuse, severe bullying.
Remember: An eating disorder is not something that anyone intentionally creates. It is an illness. Therefore, blaming or scolding a child will not solve the problem.

What are the effects of an eating disorder on a child?

An eating disorder is not something to be taken lightly. It can have serious, sometimes lifelong, effects on a child's physical health, mental health, and daily life .

Physical effects:

  • Malnutrition: Problems caused by a lack of nutrients.
  • Heart disease: irregular heartbeat, weakened heart muscle, low blood pressure.
  • Kidney failure.
  • Osteoporosis: Bones become thin and break easily.
  • Hormonal imbalance: This can cause irregular menstrual cycles, stunted growth, and infertility.
  • Tooth decay, gum disease (especially when vomiting).
  • Digestive system problems: bloating, constipation, diarrhea.
  • Low blood sugar levels (Hypoglycemia).
  • Dehydration.
  • In severe cases, death can even occur.

Mental and emotional effects:

  • Increased anxiety and depression.
  • Low self-esteem, self-hatred.
  • Social isolation, distancing from friends and family.
  • Disruption of educational activities, inability to hold a job.
  • Suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Therefore, if you are experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder, it is essential to seek professional help as soon as possible, rather than waiting for "it to go away on its own."

What can you do as a parent? – How can you help?

When you find out that your child has an eating disorder, it's normal to feel shocked, scared, and sad. However, your strength, love, and understanding are invaluable to your child at this time.
  • Recognize the signs: Pay attention to the signs we talked about earlier.
  • Talk to your child: Speak to your child in a loving, kind way, without blaming or judging. You could say something like, "I can see you're a little worried about food. Can we talk about it?"
  • Listen: Listen carefully to what your child is saying. Try to understand their feelings.
  • Avoid talking about weight and shape: Avoid criticizing your child's weight and shape, or comparing them to others. Don't talk negatively about your own body either.
  • Focus on health: Give the message that it's not about "getting thin", but about "staying healthy".
  • Seek professional help immediately: See a doctor (GP), pediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or nutritionist/dietitian. They can help you and your child.
  • Be patient and supportive: The journey to recovery can be long. There may be setbacks along the way. Stay with your child at all times.
  • Create a positive environment at home: Make mealtimes enjoyable. Eat together as a family. Prepare a variety of nutritious foods.
  • Be a role model: Show your child things like healthy eating habits and a positive attitude about their body.
  • Take care of yourself: This can be stressful for you too. Think about your mental health and get help if needed.

What are the treatments for this condition?

Eating disorders are usually treated using a multidisciplinary approach . This means that treatment is planned by specialists from different fields, such as doctors, psychiatrists, and nutritionists.
  • Medical Care: Monitoring the child's physical health, treating conditions such as malnutrition, and hospitalization if necessary.
  • Nutritional Counseling: A nutritionist provides insight into healthy eating habits and a balanced diet.
  • Psychotherapy/Counseling:
  • Individual Therapy: Helps the child manage their negative thought patterns and emotions. Methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are commonly used.
  • Family-Based Treatment (FBT): This is particularly effective for young children with anorexia. It actively involves parents and helps the child eat healthily again.
  • Medication: Sometimes, medications may be prescribed to treat co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression. However, medications alone are not a solution to an eating disorder.
The most important thing is to start treatment as soon as possible. The longer you wait to start treatment, the longer it will take to recover and the higher the risk of complications. However, remember that with proper treatment, you can make a full recovery from an eating disorder.

Finally, a few things to keep in mind (Take-Home Message)

If your child has an eating disorder, it can be a challenging time for both you and your child. But don't give up hope.
  • Eating disorders are serious, but treatable, mental illnesses.
  • It is very important to diagnose and start treatment at an early stage.
  • Your love, support, and patience are essential to your child's healing journey.
  • Never hesitate to seek professional help. You don't have to face this alone.
  • Recovery is a journey, and it takes time. But, with the right help, your child can live a healthy, happy life again.
If you have any further questions about this, or if you have any concerns about your child, please speak to a doctor or mental health counselor . It is the best thing you can do for yourself and your child.
` Eating disorders, children's eating habits, anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, mental health, parenting support
⚠️ Important: The medical articles and information on Nirogi Lanka are for general awareness only, and are by no means a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For any medical problem you have, consult a qualified physician immediately.

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Are you worried about your child's eating habits? Let's talk about eating disorders.
Mental HealthFebruary 25, 2026

Are you worried about your child's eating habits? Let's talk about eating disorders.

Dr. Priya Sammani
Dr. Priya SammaniMedical Verification
⏱ 10 min read
You may also be concerned about your child's eating habits or refusal to eat. Some children behave strangely around food from a young age. However, it is important to know whether this is a normal food aversion or something more serious. Sometimes, this can be a sign of an eating disorder .

What exactly is an eating disorder?

Simply put, an eating disorder is a mental health condition that affects the way a person thinks and feels about food and how they eat. In this case, the relationship they have with food is not healthy. As a result, they engage in unusual, sometimes dangerous behaviors around food. This can be very harmful to their physical health as well as their mental health . Think about it, we all like some foods and don't like some. That's normal. But in an eating disorder, we constantly think about food, body weight, and body shape, and worry excessively about it, to the point that we forget about everything else in life. This is a much deeper problem than just "eating".

What are the main eating disorders seen among children and young people?

There are several types of eating disorders. Let's talk about some of the most common ones among children and young people.

1. Anorexia Nervosa

What happens in this case is that the child is extremely afraid of his body weight. Because the feeling "I am fat" is constantly in his head , he restricts his eating habits. Sometimes he skips meals, counts calories, and thinks that he is fat even though he is very underweight. He exercises excessively to lose weight.
  • Imagine this: Your daughter used to be a good eater. But now she counts calories at every meal, eats very little, and keeps saying, "I'm fat, I need to lose weight ." Even though she's very thin, she doesn't seem to care. She always seems tired, but she exercises for hours. If she has these symptoms, she could be suffering from anorexia nervosa .

2. Bulimia Nervosa

In this condition, the child eats a large amount of food at once without control (we call this `Binge Eating`). Then, out of fear and guilt, "Oh, I ate so much, now I'm going to grow up," they do various things to get rid of the food. For example, they force themselves to vomit, use laxatives, or exercise excessively.
  • For example: Your son sometimes eats a lot of food secretly, and at that time he can't stop eating. Then after a while he goes to the bathroom, and you wonder if he's going to throw up. After eating, he seems very sad and embarrassed. ThisBulimia Nervosa may be a symptom.

3. Binge Eating Disorder

In this case, as in bulimia, the child eats large amounts of food continuously without control. However, unlike in bulimia, they do not use methods to eliminate the food from their body. This can lead to weight gain. After eating, they feel a lot of guilt, shame, and disappointment with themselves .
  • Imagine this: Your child eats a lot of food when they are sad, stressed, or just plain bored. They can't stop eating even when they are full. Then they blame themselves, asking, "Why did I eat so much?" This could be a sign of binge eating disorder .

4. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

This is a little different. In this case, the child is not refusing food because of weight concerns. They are restricting food choices because of things like the color, smell, or texture of the food, or because they are afraid of choking or vomiting. This can lead to them not getting the nutrition they need, causing weight loss, and affecting their growth.
Important: Don't assume that your child has an eating disorder just because they have one or two of these symptoms. However, if you continue to notice these symptoms, or if there is a significant change in your child's behavior or eating habits, it's best to seek medical advice.

How do I know if my child has an eating disorder? – Symptoms

If a child has an eating disorder, it can be hard to recognize it right away because they try to hide it. However, there are some signs you can look out for.

Behavioral changes:

  • Constantly talking about food: Constantly talking about calories, fat , and carbohydrates .
  • Skipping meals or lying like "I've already eaten."
  • Special eating habits : Cutting food into very small pieces, separating foods, and eating only one type of food.
  • Eating secretly or hiding food.
  • As soon as I finish eating , I run to the bathroom.
  • I exercise a lot, and I don't stop even when I'm sick or injured .
  • I constantly worry about my body shape and weight, and spend a lot of time in front of the mirror.
  • Wearing big, loose clothes to hide your body shape.
  • They withdraw from social interactions , refuse to go out with friends, and refuse to eat.

Physical changes:

  • Sudden weight loss or gain, or frequent changes in weight.
  • Always tired and sleepy.
  • Dizziness (vertigo), fainting.
  • Feeling cold, even when others have a normal temperature.
  • Hair falls out, skin becomes dry, nails break.
  • Dental problems (tooth decay, tooth discoloration, especially if vomiting occurs).
  • Irregular or absent monthly periods (in girls).
  • Things like stomach upset and constipation .

Mental and behavioral changes:

  • I think too much about my weight and shape, and I'm constantly worried about it.
  • They think negatively about their body, thinking they are fat (even though they are actually thin).
  • Irritability, mood swings.
  • Symptoms of conditions such as anxiety and depression .
  • Trying to do everything perfectly, without any flaws (perfectionism) .
If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your child, please don't panic and see a doctor as soon as possible. That's the best thing you can do.

Why do children develop eating disorders like this? – What are the causes?

There is no single cause for an eating disorder. It is a complex condition that can be caused by a combination of genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors .
  • Genetic influence: If someone in the family has had an eating disorder or mental health problem, the child may be at some risk of developing the condition as well.
  • Psychological factors:
  • Low self-esteem: When you have a low opinion of yourself.
  • Trying to do everything perfectly (Perfectionism).
  • Other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD) .
  • Not knowing how to control emotions and deal with feelings like sadness and anger.
  • Social and cultural influences:
  • The media portrays unrealistic body standards of "skinny, beautiful." Seeing these can lead children to have negative thoughts about their own bodies.
  • Peer pressure, bullying about weight and shape.
  • The importance given to a thin body in some sports (e.g. gymnastics, ballet) or professions (modeling).
  • Family environment:
  • If family members are constantly trying to lose weight (diet), if they are constantly talking about food and body shape.
  • If the child is often criticized for their appearance. (This does not mean that these things happen because of the parents' fault, but such things can have an impact).
  • Communication problems in the family, excessive pressure.
  • Traumatic experiences: Things like sexual assault, physical abuse, severe bullying.
Remember: An eating disorder is not something that anyone intentionally creates. It is an illness. Therefore, blaming or scolding a child will not solve the problem.

What are the effects of an eating disorder on a child?

An eating disorder is not something to be taken lightly. It can have serious, sometimes lifelong, effects on a child's physical health, mental health, and daily life .

Physical effects:

  • Malnutrition: Problems caused by a lack of nutrients.
  • Heart disease: irregular heartbeat, weakened heart muscle, low blood pressure.
  • Kidney failure.
  • Osteoporosis: Bones become thin and break easily.
  • Hormonal imbalance: This can cause irregular menstrual cycles, stunted growth, and infertility.
  • Tooth decay, gum disease (especially when vomiting).
  • Digestive system problems: bloating, constipation, diarrhea.
  • Low blood sugar levels (Hypoglycemia).
  • Dehydration.
  • In severe cases, death can even occur.

Mental and emotional effects:

  • Increased anxiety and depression.
  • Low self-esteem, self-hatred.
  • Social isolation, distancing from friends and family.
  • Disruption of educational activities, inability to hold a job.
  • Suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Therefore, if you are experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder, it is essential to seek professional help as soon as possible, rather than waiting for "it to go away on its own."

What can you do as a parent? – How can you help?

When you find out that your child has an eating disorder, it's normal to feel shocked, scared, and sad. However, your strength, love, and understanding are invaluable to your child at this time.
  • Recognize the signs: Pay attention to the signs we talked about earlier.
  • Talk to your child: Speak to your child in a loving, kind way, without blaming or judging. You could say something like, "I can see you're a little worried about food. Can we talk about it?"
  • Listen: Listen carefully to what your child is saying. Try to understand their feelings.
  • Avoid talking about weight and shape: Avoid criticizing your child's weight and shape, or comparing them to others. Don't talk negatively about your own body either.
  • Focus on health: Give the message that it's not about "getting thin", but about "staying healthy".
  • Seek professional help immediately: See a doctor (GP), pediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or nutritionist/dietitian. They can help you and your child.
  • Be patient and supportive: The journey to recovery can be long. There may be setbacks along the way. Stay with your child at all times.
  • Create a positive environment at home: Make mealtimes enjoyable. Eat together as a family. Prepare a variety of nutritious foods.
  • Be a role model: Show your child things like healthy eating habits and a positive attitude about their body.
  • Take care of yourself: This can be stressful for you too. Think about your mental health and get help if needed.

What are the treatments for this condition?

Eating disorders are usually treated using a multidisciplinary approach . This means that treatment is planned by specialists from different fields, such as doctors, psychiatrists, and nutritionists.
  • Medical Care: Monitoring the child's physical health, treating conditions such as malnutrition, and hospitalization if necessary.
  • Nutritional Counseling: A nutritionist provides insight into healthy eating habits and a balanced diet.
  • Psychotherapy/Counseling:
  • Individual Therapy: Helps the child manage their negative thought patterns and emotions. Methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are commonly used.
  • Family-Based Treatment (FBT): This is particularly effective for young children with anorexia. It actively involves parents and helps the child eat healthily again.
  • Medication: Sometimes, medications may be prescribed to treat co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression. However, medications alone are not a solution to an eating disorder.
The most important thing is to start treatment as soon as possible. The longer you wait to start treatment, the longer it will take to recover and the higher the risk of complications. However, remember that with proper treatment, you can make a full recovery from an eating disorder.

Finally, a few things to keep in mind (Take-Home Message)

If your child has an eating disorder, it can be a challenging time for both you and your child. But don't give up hope.
  • Eating disorders are serious, but treatable, mental illnesses.
  • It is very important to diagnose and start treatment at an early stage.
  • Your love, support, and patience are essential to your child's healing journey.
  • Never hesitate to seek professional help. You don't have to face this alone.
  • Recovery is a journey, and it takes time. But, with the right help, your child can live a healthy, happy life again.
If you have any further questions about this, or if you have any concerns about your child, please speak to a doctor or mental health counselor . It is the best thing you can do for yourself and your child.
` Eating disorders, children's eating habits, anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, mental health, parenting support
⚠️ Important: The medical articles and information on Nirogi Lanka are for general awareness only, and are by no means a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For any medical problem you have, consult a qualified physician immediately.

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