by Lauren Goodman | Jun 10, 2026 | Eating Disorder Therapy
Why Eating Disorders in Teen Girls Are So Common
Parents call me about many different concerns, one of which is the possibility that their daughter has an eating disorder. Once girls are in counseling, even if they came for a completely different reason, they frequently reveal that they believe they are overweight. Of the girls who believe this, a significant number are actively trying to lose weight. If those efforts become extreme or dangerous, they may qualify for an eating disorder. Lately, I have been seeing a lot of eating disorders in teen girls, so it seems like a good time to talk about this issue.
Common Warning Signs of Eating Disorders in Teen Girls
You may have noticed that I wrote, “If those efforts become extreme or dangerous, they may qualify for an eating disorder.” What exactly does “dangerous” mean?
Many girls (and sometimes boys) who are trying to lose weight turn to unhealthy methods. For example, frequent self-induced vomiting can cause serious health problems. It can damage teeth, injure the esophagus, and create electrolyte imbalances. In severe cases, those imbalances can even become life-threatening. There are many other dangerous behaviors used to lose weight. These include crash dieting, excessive exercise that leads to illness or injury, fasting, using laxatives, eliminating entire food groups, or using drugs to suppress appetite.
When Healthy Eating Isn’t Actually Healthy
Nutrition is an essential part of good health. Ironically, many girls struggling with eating disorders become obsessed with food and nutrition while still eating in very unhealthy ways.
One example comes from a girl I worked with who struggled with an eating disorder. She developed numerous misconceptions about food based on diet trends. She believed carbohydrates were harmful and were like poison for the body. If she ate only salads for lunch and dinner, she considered that a healthy day of eating. In reality, she had simply consumed too few calories while missing important nutrients such as carbohydrates and protein.
Treating Eating Disorders in Teen Girls
Therapists are not nutritionists, but we are often required to address nutritional concerns as part of treatment. Because of this, eating disorders are frequently treated with a team approach that includes both a therapist and a registered dietitian.
The dietitian helps the teen create a healthy eating plan. The therapist helps her manage the emotions that come with following that plan. For many girls, that emotional work is incredibly difficult and is a major part of recovery.
A medical doctor is also required to ensure that your teen is recovering their health (They monitor labs, check cardiovascular health, etc.). In addition to this, you, the parent, will play a vital role in your teen’s recovery. The therapist will teach you how to guide your teen’s eating habits and support them emotionally as they start healing.
The Emotional Side of Eating Disorders in Teen Girls
Eating disorders are primarily emotional struggles. Girls with anorexia often appear to be in complete control of their eating habits. On the surface, they may seem highly disciplined and determined. In reality, their eating behaviors are driven by deep feelings of shame, self-disgust, fear, anxiety, and dissatisfaction with themselves. Teens with bulimia often experience these same emotions. In addition, they often feel emotionally numb or disconnected during a binge episode.
Questions to Ask if You Are Concerned
If you are worried that your daughter may have an eating disorder, start by having a conversation. Ask her how she feels about her body. Ask whether she is trying to diet. Find out how much time and energy she spends thinking about food, weight, and exercise.
Most girls are aware of these things to some degree, but many still eat normally and exercise moderately. What you are looking for is whether the concern seems extreme or consuming. Also pay attention to how your daughter responds. If she becomes highly defensive, angry, or unwilling to discuss the topic, that can sometimes be a sign that something deeper is going on.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | Apr 30, 2026 | Eating Disorder Therapy
Understanding Teen Girl Body Image Issues
Are you worried your daughter is overly concerned with her weight? You’re not alone. Teen girl body image issues are more common than most parents realize. Studies show that teenage girls are dissatisfied with their bodies at rates from 50-90%. It’s heartbreaking to see so many girls feel stuck wishing they looked different.
When Teen Girl Body Image Issues Go Beyond Normal
There is a big difference between teens who don’t love their bodies and those who take it a step further. Some girls may not like what they see, but they still wear swimsuits, eat normally, exercise in a healthy way, and don’t talk negatively about themselves very often.
Other girls are frequently dieting or exercising, avoiding certain clothes, and feeling very self-conscious. This is when negative body image can start to take over.
A Real Life Example
I had a college roommate who was beautiful and very fit. We went to school in Tucson, Arizona, where it was extremely hot at the start of the school year. Still, I never once saw her wear anything but pants. When I asked her why, she told me her legs looked fat and would never look as good as they did when she was a ballerina in high school. Because of this, she made a rule that she could never show her legs. Over time, she created more and more rules for herself until she felt trapped. Eventually, this turned into anorexia. It was heartbreaking to watch.
Signs of Teen Girl Body Image Issues to Watch For
If you’re worried about your daughter, it’s worth paying attention. Here are some signs that she may be developing an eating disorder:
- Your daughter cuts out certain foods, like carbs.
- She refuses to wear a swimsuit in front of others.
- She talks about food constantly.
- She compares her body to other girls or women often.
- She is always dieting or following strict exercise routines.
- She uses calorie-counting or fitness tracking apps.
What to Do About Teen Girl Body Image Issues
If you notice these behaviors, it’s time to start a conversation. These patterns can quickly grow into something more serious. I know this personally. I struggled with an eating disorder from age 15 to 22. That’s seven years spent focusing on weight and fitness instead of enjoying friends and learning. I don’t want your teen to have to experience the same thing.
How You Can Help
I work with many teens who are unhappy with how they look. Some develop eating disorders, while others are close to it.
Two things often help at the start:
- Realizing that there are many other people who feel the same way they do
- They begin to see that there is much more to who they are than their appearance
Healing body image issues takes time, but these are important first steps you can help your teen take.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | Jan 27, 2026 | Eating Disorder Therapy
Learning About Signs of Eating Disorders in Teens
Eating disorders are fairly common. You’ve likely heard of anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Binge eating disorder is another lesser known diagnosis. It shares many symptoms with bulimia but does not include compensatory (i.e. purging) behaviors. If you worry your child might have an eating disorder, it’s important to learn the signs of eating disorders in teens.
Types of Eating Disorders
To understand the signs of eating disorders in teens, it helps to know what each eating disorder looks like and how they are different from each other.
The three main types of eating disorders are anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. There are two other types of eating disorders too, but they mostly serve as general categories for cases that don’t fit neatly into the main three.
Anorexia Nervosa
To be diagnosed with anorexia, a teen must maintain a weight well below healthy levels. Anorexic teens also have an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted view of their body. Though past criteria for anorexia included loss of menstruation, that is no longer required. It is important to note that while anorexia is most common in girls, anorexia affects boys as well.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia, like anorexia, is marked by a fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. However, instead of being underweight, teens with bulimia are usually of normal weight or slightly above a healthy weight. They often binge eat when upset or hungry and then feel compelled to compensate through purging. Purging can include vomiting, laxatives, excessive exercise, or fasting.
Binge Eating Disorder
This disorder involves consuming large amounts of food in response to emotional triggers. Unlike bulimia, teens with binge eating disorder do not attempt to purge after overeating. However, like bulimia, teens with Binge Eating Disorder also have feelings of shame, guilt, and disgust after overeating.
Why Early Recognition of Signs of Eating Disorders in Teens Matters
Eating disorders are dangerous and need immediate attention. Anorexia can lead to life-threatening starvation, while bulimia can cause severe electrolyte imbalances and even death. Binge eating disorder can result in long-term health problems and emotional distress.
Getting Help for Your Teen
If you notice signs of eating disorders in your teen, take action quickly. Talk to your pediatrician and seek professional counseling. Your teen is still the same amazing person underneath it all, and with the right support, they can recover.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | Aug 8, 2025 | Eating Disorder Therapy
What Parents Should Know About Eating Disorders in Boys
Eating disorders happen to boys too. It’s not as commonly discussed as eating disorders in girls, and it’s not quite as prevalent. However, it definitely happens. In fact, it’s a real and growing concern. If you’re worried your son might be struggling with one, it’s key to know what eating disorders in boys can look like, the warning signs to watch for, and how you can step in to help.
Eating Disorders in Boys Vs. In Girls
When boys have eating disorders, they often look different from those in girls, which can make them easier to overlook. Girls may focus on being extremely thin, while boys typically aim to look “cut” or “chiseled.” This can lead to excessive weightlifting, eating very little, and, when they do eat, focusing almost entirely on protein.
Signs Your Son Might Have an Eating Disorder
There are some key signs to watch for if you are worried about eating disorders in boys.
1. Obsession with Working Out
Is your son spending way too much time at the gym? Does he lift so much weight that you worry about injury? This can be a warning sign of eating disorders in boys.
2. Focus on Body Fat Percentage
While girls often talk in pounds, boys talk in body fat percentages. I’ve heard boys aim for as low as 4% body fat to look “cut.” This is not healthy — our bodies need fat to function.
3. Frequent Dieting
Some boys skip meals or eat only fruits and veggies to get thinner. This is another sign of eating disorders in boys. Even if their goal isn’t to look emaciated, their ideals can still be just as unrealistic as girls.
4. Cutting Out Entire Food Groups
Many boys try to bulk up on protein and cut carbs, avoiding bread, chips, and sweets entirely. This can be another sign of unhealthy body obsession.
Why This Is A Problem
Over-focusing on body image can have serious consequences. Starvation plus excessive exercise is dangerous for physical health. It can also stunt emotional development and character development. If your son is only thinking about his body, he might:
- Skip social events to avoid missing a workout
- Be distracted on a date, worried about food choices
- Struggle to focus in class due to low calories
How to Help
Body image issues in teenage boys are more common than ever. If you notice signs of eating disorders in boys, talk to your son. If he continues to over-focus on his body image, give me a call, and we can talk about your son’s situation. Your concern and involvement can help him get back on track to being a well-rounded young man.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | Mar 26, 2025 | Eating Disorder Therapy
The Impact of Thin Models on Teen Body Image
Many teen girls struggle with their body image because of the unrealistic standards set by models in ads. In fact, some governments are taking action to address this issue. In France, a bill was passed to ban ultra-thin models and require photoshopped images to be labeled. If your teen is struggling with an eating disorder, it’s important to learn how media influences teen body image, and find out what to do to help your teen.
How Media Affects Teen Body Image
The constant stream of images in the media shape how we see ourselves. Models often have professional makeup, photoshopped features, and unrealistic beauty standards. When teen girls compare themselves to these images, it’s easy to feel “not good enough.” Since they are still developing their sense of self, they are especially vulnerable to these messages.
Why Teen Girls Are So Affected
Teenagers aren’t always sure of who they are, so they often rely on external things like appearance to define themselves. They choose certain styles, admire celebrities, and aim for an “ideal” body type. Since our culture glorifies thinness, many teen girls feel pressure to look a certain way. This has a huge negative impact on teen body image.
Changing the Definition of an Ideal Body
Many girls I work with in therapy believe that being extremely thin or fit will make them happy, confident, and lovable. It takes a lot of effort, but some girls eventually shift their thinking. Instead of comparing themselves to edited images, they start focusing on a medically healthy body type. They learn to eat in a way that fuels their bodies, exercise for health rather than appearance, and accept that their body will naturally settle at a healthy weight. Over time, they begin to appreciate looking like a young woman rather than striving to continue to have the weight of a young girl.
The Role of Media in Eating Disorders and Teen Body Image
There are many factors that contribute to eating disorders, but media plays a role. That’s why I appreciate efforts like France’s law to reduce the pressure on young girls. Struggles with anorexia, bulimia, and body image can be incredibly challenging to overcome, and every small step toward change helps.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
