Eating Disorders 101: What Every Teen Should Know
Let’s talk about something real: your relationship with food and your body.
In a world full of TikTok trends, filtered photos, and “what I eat in a day” videos, it’s easy to start feeling like you’re supposed to look or eat a certain way. But when thoughts about food, weight, or body image start taking over your life, it might be a sign of something more serious: an eating disorder.
This guide breaks it down — no shame, no judgment. Just the facts every teen should know, and why getting help is not a weakness but a move of strength.
What Is An Eating Disorder
An eating disorder isn’t “just a phase” or “a diet gone too far.” It’s a serious mental health condition that affects how someone thinks about food, weight, and their body — often leading to harmful habits that are hard to control.
And guess what? Eating disorders don’t always “look” a certain way. You don’t have to be underweight or constantly skipping meals to be struggling.
Types Of Eating Disorders Teens Should Know
Here are the most common ones:
Anorexia Nervosa: Obsessing over food and weight, often leading to extreme dieting or starvation.
Bulimia Nervosa: Binge eating followed by purging (like vomiting or over-exercising) to try to “undo” it.
Binge Eating Disorder: Eating large amounts of food in a short time while feeling out of control — without purging after.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Avoiding certain foods or food groups, not for body image reasons but often due to anxiety or sensory issues.
These disorders can affect anyone — all genders, races, body types, and backgrounds.
Signs You Might Be Struggling
It’s not always obvious, but some red flags include:
Constantly talking or worrying about calories, weight, or body size
Skipping meals or making excuses not to eat
Feeling guilty or ashamed after eating
Obsessively exercising
Using laxatives or forcing yourself to vomit
Isolation, mood swings, or extreme body dissatisfaction
If this sounds like you or someone you know, it’s time to reach out.
Why Eating Disorders Happen
It’s not about vanity or attention. Eating disorders are often caused by a mix of:
Low self-esteem
Anxiety or depression
Pressure to look a certain way (hello, social media)
Family or cultural expectations
Past trauma or bullying
And while they’re tough to go through, they’re also treatable with the right support.
“Eating disorders are not a choice — they are serious illnesses that require understanding, compassion, and professional care.”
How To Get Help
Talking to a parent, school counsellor, doctor, or therapist can feel scary — but it’s one of the most important steps you can take. There’s no shame in needing help, and recovery is possible.
📞 You can also reach out anonymously:
Beat (UK): 0808 801 0677 or beateatingdisorders.org.uk
NEDA (US): Text “HELLO” to 741741 or visit nationaleatingdisorders.org
You are so much more than your body or what you eat.
Final Thought
Your worth isn’t measured by a number on a scale or what you ate today. If you’re struggling with food, body image, or the pressure to be "perfect," please know — you’re not alone, and there is a way out.
Whether it’s you or a friend, speaking up can literally save a life.
Let’s normalise talking about it. Let’s choose healing over hiding.
At Shout, we have around 80 conversations every day about eating disorders or body image. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it's important to know that there is support available and you can get better.
