The other day I heard my 13-year-old daughter complain, “I’m fat.” She's started to stay away from family meals and says she's not hungry. I’m upset that she’s already worried about her weight and that she may be developing an eating disorder. How do I know if there’s a problem and what can I do to help her if there is?
– Kirsten

It's common for teens to be concerned about how they look and to feel self-conscious about their weight. During puberty, kids' bodies change dramatically and they face mounting social pressures, like dating and making friends. But when these concerns become obsessions or begin to involve abnormal behaviors or negative thoughts about weight and food, eating disorders can occur.

Someone who starts to do things that are emotionally or physically dangerous to lose weight may have an eating problem. Other signs of an eating disorder include playing with or moving food around on the plate instead of eating it, exercising compulsively, and constantly talking about weight and food.

If you're concerned that your daughter may have an eating disorder, it's important to get her the help she may need right away. Let her know that you're worried because of the things that you have noticed. Disordered eating during the teen years can lead to a variety of long-term health problems down the road. Have your daughter talk to a counselor, doctor, or a mental health professional.

For more information, check out these articles:
Binge Eating Disorder
Eating Disorders
Food & Nutrition

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: January 2007
Originally reviewed by: Neil Izenberg, MD

Have a question? Email us.

We regret that we can't reply to any email inquiry. Although we can't reply personally, you may see your question posted to this page in the future. If you're looking for medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment, consult your doctor or other qualified medical professional. If this is an emergency, contact emergency services in your area.