Eating Disorders In Children Statistics: Research, Trends, And Treatments

Eating disorders, or behavioral conditions involving disordered eating and disturbances in thoughts, behaviors, and emotions around food, may affect individuals of any age. According to a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis, around 22% of adolescents and children worldwide show signs of disordered eating behaviors. Eating disorders in children statistics like this can underscore the importance of recognizing these disorders and the trends surrounding their development. While data can vary, some studies indicate that eating disorder trends for children have changed significantly in recent years. If your child shows signs of an eating disorder, it can be crucial to seek treatment for them, and parents often benefit from attending therapy as well.

Have rates of eating disorders in children increased? 

Other eating disorder statistics

While they may not be focused on children or adolescents specifically, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) provides several additional statistics on eating disorders. 

• 28.8 million Americans, or 9% of the United States population, may experience an eating disorder in their lifetime.
• The overall lifetime prevalence of eating disorders is estimated to be 4.07% among males and 8.60% among females.
• Worldwide, eating disorders contribute to the loss of approximately 3.3 million healthy life years annually.
• Behind opiate addiction, eating disorders are reported to have the second highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness.
• It’s estimated that one person dies every 52 minutes as a direct result of an eating disorder.

Due to the severe consequences that these disorders can have, it can be important for parents and guardians to understand the symptoms of eating disorders in children and adolescents. 

How are eating disorders diagnosed? 

Diagnosing an eating disorder in adolescents and children typically requires an evaluation by a medical professional. This process may include a combination of physical exams, psychological assessments, and detailed discussions. 

While these discussions may vary, many will pertain to the child’s eating habits, as well as their behaviors and thoughts related to food. If a healthcare professional determines that a child meets the criteria for an eating disorder, they may provide a diagnosis. 

It can be beneficial for parents to understand the symptoms of these disorders, as this may help them recognize when their child could benefit from professional evaluation and support. 

How to recognize eating disorder symptoms in adolescents

While children and adolescents may display many of the same symptoms of eating disorders as adults, the symptoms they experience can vary by disorder. Although there are a variety of eating disorders, binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa tend to be the most common. 

Binge eating disorder symptoms

Binge eating disorder (BED) usually involves consuming large quantities of food in a short time, such as one to two hours. Other symptoms of binge eating disorder can include the following:

• Sensing that one cannot stop eating
• Eating even when one does not feel hungry
• Experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety
• Continuing to eat even if one is full or uncomfortable
• Hiding eating habits

Anorexia nervosa symptoms

Anorexia nervosa and atypical anorexia nervosa (when a person displays anorexia symptoms but is of a “normal” or higher weight) typically involve consuming significantly less food than one needs, which may lead to caloric or nutritional deficits. 

Other symptoms of anorexia nervosa can include those listed below:

• Rapid weight loss
• Dry hair or skin
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Fear of gaining weight
• Believing one is overweight even if they are severely underweight

Bulimia nervosa symptoms

Adolescents with bulimia nervosa may engage in episodes of binging (consuming significant quantities of food in a small amount of time) and purging (behaviors intended to “get rid of” the food or prevent weight gain). 

Purging behaviors can include forcing oneself to vomit, misusing diuretics or laxatives, or excessive fasting. Other symptoms of bulimia nervosa can include the following:

• Rapid changes in mood
• Significant preoccupation with food
• Inflamed or sore throat
• Negative body image
• Bloating
• Unhealthy weight control behaviors
• Feelings of guilt and shame around eating

How can eating disorders affect an adolescent’s health?

Eating disorders can have a variety of negative effects on the physical and mental health of children and adolescents:

• Low blood pressure
• Weakened bones
• Irregular heartbeat
• Delayed puberty
• Depression and anxiety
• Blood in stool or vomit

The health impacts that arise can vary depending on the disorder. For example, it may be more likely for individuals with bulimia nervosa to experience enamel erosion due to frequent forced vomiting.

Is weight loss or a preoccupation with food always a sign of an eating disorder? 

While weight loss or a preoccupation with food often has the potential to be problematic, these are not always signs of an eating disorder. Some individuals may intentionally diet and lose weight at a healthy pace or through a program recommended by a medical professional, while others could focus on food due to an interest in cooking, for example. However, it can be important for parents and loved ones to watch these situations closely. 

When weight loss or a preoccupation with food is cause for concern

If you notice that your child is losing weight rapidly, it could indicate the presence of an eating disorder. Obsessions with counting calories or fasting can also be red flags. Other signs for which to watch include those listed below:

• Skipping meals or establishing specific eating rituals
• Taking diuretics or laxatives
• Throwing up after meals
• Engaging in excessive exercise, even when sick or injured
• Displaying hair loss, puffy cheeks, or swollen salivary glands
• Isolating from friends or family, especially during meal time
• Making self-critical comments about their body shape or size

Eating disorder treatment for children and adolescents

One eating disorder treatment that may be effective for children and adolescents is family-based therapy (FBT). FBT can teach parents how to manage their child’s eating habits and create an environment that encourages recovery. 

Other forms of mental health and eating disorder treatment for adolescents 

While it may not be specifically for adolescents, enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E) can help individuals with eating disorders recognize potentially harmful patterns and recover. CBT-E often involves four distinct stages.

• Stage 1: Individuals learn about the underlying causes of disordered eating and difficulties with food. 
• Stage 2: Providers review the progress a client has made and develop a plan for the remainder of therapy.
• Stage 3: Therapy generally focuses on the thought processes that may maintain eating or food difficulties, including concerns about shape and weight or other areas of life that may contribute to an eating disorder.
• Stage 4: The final stage of CBT-E can emphasize how to maintain changes going forward and find ways to cope with any setbacks that may occur. 

Online therapy for parents 

It can be challenging to know how to best support your child and help them throughout the recovery process. Many parents find it helpful to speak to a therapist about their thoughts and feelings, as well as receive parenting advice and guidance. However, it can be challenging to fit in-person therapy sessions into a busy schedule. Online therapy may be an accessible and convenient alternative.

Research suggests that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy. In a 2022 meta-analysis of 12 trials including some participants with eating disorders, researchers compared data involving a total of 931 patients. They found no significant differences between the outcomes of online and in-person therapy.