What Are the Early Warning Signs of an Eating Disorder in Children and Teenagers?

What parents may notice before an eating disorder becomes obvious

Many parents expect eating disorders to be sudden or extreme. In reality, early signs are often subtle, gradual, and easy to miss, especially in children and teenagers who otherwise seem to be coping.

This article outlines early warning signs that may indicate a developing eating disorder, helping parents recognise patterns before difficulties become more entrenched.

Early signs are often behavioural, not dramatic

In the early stages, eating disorders rarely look like total food refusal or rapid weight loss. More commonly, parents notice small but persistent shifts in behaviour, mood, or routines around food.

It is the pattern and progression that matters most.

Changes in eating behaviour

Early eating-related changes may include:

• Skipping meals or eating less without clear reason

• Gradually narrowing food choices

• Avoiding foods previously eaten comfortably

• Becoming tense, distressed, or defensive when eating is discussed

• Eating very slowly or developing new food rituals

  
  

These changes often appear reasonable on the surface, especially when framed as “healthy eating” or loss of appetite.

Emotional and psychological warning signs

Children and teenagers may show:

• Increased anxiety, particularly around mealtimes

• Irritability, low mood, or emotional withdrawal

• Heightened perfectionism or self-criticism

• Difficulty coping with uncertainty or change

• Strong reactions to perceived mistakes

  
  

These changes may occur before eating concerns are openly expressed.

Behavioural changes outside of meals

Some early warning signs appear away from food:

• Avoiding social events involving eating

• Increased time spent alone or withdrawing from family

• Becoming rigid about routines or control

• Excessive exercise or restlessness

• Increased focus on rules, numbers, or structure

  
  

For teenagers especially, these shifts are often misattributed to normal adolescence.

Physical signs that may appear early

Physical changes can be subtle and may include:

• Fatigue or low energy

• Complaints of feeling cold

• Dizziness or headaches

• Stomach pain or nausea

• Changes in growth, weight trajectory, or menstruation

  
  

Not all children lose weight early on. Some maintain weight while eating becomes increasingly restricted.

Warning signs specific to younger children

In younger children, signs may look different:

• Increased anxiety around meals

• Refusal of foods due to fear (choking, vomiting)

• Strong sensory reactions to textures or smells

• Emotional distress at the table

• Regressions in eating skills

  
  

These presentations are sometimes linked to ARFID or anxiety-based eating difficulties, rather than weight or shape concerns.

Warning signs specific to teenagers

In teenagers, parents may notice:

• Skipping meals at school

• Eating alone or claiming to have already eaten

• Increased secrecy around food

• Heightened concern about body image or comparison

• Using exercise as a way to “earn” food

  
  

Teenagers often work hard to hide difficulties, which can delay recognition.

“What if I’m not sure it’s serious enough?”

This is one of the most common reasons parents delay seeking support.

You do not need certainty or severity to seek advice. Early assessment helps clarify:

• Whether behaviours are developmentally expected

• Whether anxiety, sensory issues, or eating disorders are emerging

• Whether support is needed now or simply monitoring

  
  

Waiting for certainty often means waiting until difficulties escalate.

What not to rely on

Parents are often reassured by:

• “They still eat something”

• “They’re doing well at school”

• “They say they’re fine”

  
  

These factors do not rule out an eating disorder.

When to consider professional advice

It may be helpful to seek support if:

• Changes are lasting weeks rather than days

• Eating is becoming a source of distress or conflict

• You feel uneasy but cannot fully explain why

• Your child becomes increasingly rigid or avoidant

• Physical or emotional health appears to be shifting

  
  

Trusting your instincts is not overreacting.

How we support early concerns

At The Eating Disorders Clinic, we support parents to:

• Understand early signs without panic

• Distinguish between normal development and emerging risk

• Access assessment-led guidance

• Decide on proportionate next steps

  
  

Our approach is calm, structured, and neurodiversity-informed.

A gentle next step for parents

If you are concerned about early signs of an eating disorder in your child or teenager, you are welcome to book a free initial call to talk things through.

You may also wish to review our website before proceeding