September 4, 2025 - After the less structured summer months, going back to school can be a stressful time for any student. When transitions like these are compounded by stressors like academic expectations, social media ideals and the pressure to fit in, young people may be at greater risk for developing an eating disorder.
“An eating disorder can negatively impact every body system and cause life-long consequences, so early detection makes a significant difference in positive outcomes,” says Christine DeSouza, MS, RD, CEDS-C, nutrition coordinator for RWJUH Somerset’s Eating Disorders Program. “Parents and caregivers are in the best position to notice changes that could indicate an eating disorder, as they know their children best.” She offers the following advice.
Supportive approaches
In general, parents and caregivers can promote a supportive environment in the following ways:
- Serve as role models by avoiding self-deprecating statements, comments about dieting and an emphasis on appearance.
- Make family meals a priority. Avoid stressful topics at the table; strive for a lighter, conversational check-in.
- Focus on listening. Sometimes teens need a listening ear rather than a solution.
- Educate teens about the pitfalls of social media and its unrealistic depictions.
- Create alternate opportunities for engagement and connection.
Top 10 Signs
While an eating disorder is not always apparent, here are 10 signs to watch for:
- Mood swings, irritability or anxiety
- Ongoing complaints of stomachaches, nausea or dizziness
- Changes in clothing style/wearing baggy clothing
- Skipping meals, calorie counting or excessive exercise
- Frequently bringing home uneaten food from packed school lunches
- Regularly using the bathroom after meals
- Shifting perspectives around food, such as eliminating entire food groups or making sudden/extreme dietary changes
- Negative body comments or self-deprecating statements
- Frequent mirror checking
- Weight fluctuations, although this is not a reliable indicator of an eating disorder
The Best Conversation Starters
If an issue is suspected, a caring, nonjudgmental approach can maintain trust and facilitate conversation. It’s helpful to start with the bigger picture and then zoom in:
- Gain a better sense of your child’s mental health (How’s school going? Is anything keeping you up at night? How are things with your friends?)
- Ask about physical health and eating habits (Have you been feeling, OK? How have meals been? And if difficulty is expressed: Is there anything we can do to make mealtimes easier?)
- Thank them for sharing and express that you can be a trusted resource for help (Let’s work together to figure this out.)
- Make an appointment with your child’s health care provider to identify any issues and determine next steps.
Programs and resources, such as those offered at RWJBarnabas Health's Eating Disorders Program at RWJUH Somerset, provide comprehensive treatment that addresses every physical, mental, and emotional aspect involved when treating individuals with eating disorders.
Call 1-800-300-0628 or visit RWJBH Behavioral Health Eating Disorders Treatment for information about our behavioral health services or a referral to a mental health specialist near you.