"Catching these problems quickly can prevent a lifelong struggle," says Jill Layne, a licensed clinical social worker with Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia.
Some red flags:
The child is obsessed with weight. They might voice an intense fear of gaining weight, comment about feeling fat when they're a normal size or, if they're overweight, become fixated on that fact.
The child sneaks or hoards food. You might find discarded wrappers in their room or notice they're ashamed of what they've eaten.
The child makes excuses for not eating. Common lines: they had a big lunch or ate right before coming home. They seem to prefer eating alone.
The child's eating and exercise habits become extreme. A child might refuse anything but very low-calorie options - which can alternate with binges on favorite "bad" foods - and constantly try to burn off calories: running in front of the television, say, or going for a jog after a long sports practice.
The child's appearance starts to change. A child may or may not lose weight. If they're not getting enough calories, their hair and skin will dry out and their energy levels will fall.
The child follows "rituals" at meals. Anorexics might cut food into tiny pieces or keep different items from touching each other. Bulimics will go to the bathroom immediately after meals to purge.
What to do: Reassure a child they're beautiful - never belittle them or their behaviour - and ask why they're feeling insecure. Brainstorm ways to live healthfully without banning any particular foods: a weekly dessert night instead of a regular supply of sweets, maybe, or family walks after dinner. Educate them on good food choices and how to follow hunger cues. Help them find ways to be successful, whether through sports or the arts, and nurture their friendships. Schedule a checkup with a pediatrician and, if symptoms continue, seek counseling.
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