What Does an Eating Disorder Mean?

Support for family and carers

A Guide for Parents Who Are Worried About Their Child

If you are reading this as a parent, you may be feeling concerned, confused, or unsure about what you are seeing in your child. You might be noticing changes in eating, mood, or behaviour and wondering whether these are just a phase or something that needs attention.

This guide is designed to help parents understand what an eating disorder is, how eating disorders can present in children and young people, and when it may be helpful to seek professional advice.

What is an eating disorder?

An eating disorder is a mental health condition, not a lifestyle choice or a behavioural problem. While eating behaviours are part of how it shows up, the underlying difficulty usually relates to emotional distress, anxiety, coping, or regulation, rather than food itself.

Eating disorders can affect:

• Physical health

• Emotional wellbeing

• Concentration, mood, and relationships

• Family life and daily routines

  
  

Importantly, eating disorders do not always look the way parents expect.

Eating disorders are not always obvious

Many parents assume that an eating disorder always involves extreme weight loss or refusal to eat. In reality:

• Some children maintain a “normal” weight

• Some eat regularly in front of others but struggle privately

• Some difficulties are sensory-based rather than body-image-based

• Changes can happen gradually

  
  

What often matters most is how much distress eating is causing, not just how much or what a child eats.

Common types of eating disorders in children and young people

Below is an overview of recognised eating disorder presentations. This is for understanding only, not diagnosis.

Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia involves ongoing restriction of food intake and a strong fear of weight gain or body change. A child may:

• Eat very little or follow rigid food rules

• Become distressed around meals

• Exercise excessively

• Show strong anxiety about body size or weight

  
  

Not all children with anorexia appear underweight, especially early on.

Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia involves cycles of binge eating followed by behaviours aimed at preventing weight gain. Signs may include:

• Eating large amounts of food in a short time

• Secrecy around food

• Frequent trips to the bathroom after eating

• Shame or guilt related to eating

  
  

Weight can appear stable, which sometimes delays recognition.

Binge eating disorder (BED)

BED involves repeated episodes of eating that feel out of control, without regular purging. A child may:

• Eat rapidly or in secret

• Feel distressed or ashamed afterwards

• Struggle with emotional regulation

  
  

BED is often misunderstood and under-recognised.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

ARFID is not driven by body image or fear of weight gain. Instead, eating is restricted due to:

• Sensory sensitivities (texture, taste, smell)

• Fear of choking or vomiting

• Lack of interest in eating

  
  

ARFID is common in neurodivergent children and can still have serious health impacts.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)

Some children do not fit neatly into one category but still experience significant distress and impairment. OSFED is a valid diagnosis and does not mean symptoms are less serious.

Why eating disorders develop

There is no single cause of an eating disorder, and parents are not to blame.

Eating disorders usually develop through a combination of:

• Genetic vulnerability

• Anxiety or emotional sensitivity

• Difficulties with stress or regulation

• Environmental pressures

• Neurodiversity

• Life changes or loss

  
  

Often, eating behaviours begin as a way for a child to cope with something that feels overwhelming.

Signs that may warrant further support

It may be helpful to seek professional advice if you notice:

• Persistent changes in eating or weight

• High anxiety around meals

• Increasing rigidity or avoidance

• Withdrawal from family or social life

• Physical symptoms such as fatigue or dizziness

• Food taking up a lot of emotional or mental space

  
  

You do not need to be certain something is “serious enough” before asking for help.

Why early assessment matters

Early assessment does not mean committing to treatment. It provides:

• Clarity about what is happening

• An understanding of risk and needs

• Guidance on whether support is recommended

• Reassurance where appropriate

  
  

Early support is associated with better outcomes and less disruption to family life.

How we can help

At The Eating Disorders Clinic, we offer assessment-led, family-aware support for children, young people, and their parents. We focus on understanding the child within their wider context, including emotional wellbeing, neurodiversity, and family dynamics.

Our approach is calm, collaborative, and carefully paced.

A supportive next step

If you are worried about your child and would like to talk things through, you are welcome to book a free initial call with our team.

You can also review our website to understand how assessment and support work before making any decisions.

Author: Stefanos Pagonidis – Clinical Director, Lead Dietitian at the Eating Disorders Clinic

References:

• American Psychiatric Association (APA). (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).

• American Psychiatric Publishing.Treasure, J., Claudino, A. M., & Zucker, N. (2010).

• Eating disorders. The Lancet, 375(9714), 583-593.

• National Health Service (NHS). (2020).Eating disorders overview. Available at: NHS Website