Eating and Body Image Concerns Among Children and Teens | Bradley Hospital
Search for Resources & Information
Eating and Body Image Concerns Among Children and Teens
URL COPIED!
Eating and Body Image Concerns Among Children and Teens
Body image concerns and dieting fads are an increasingly common problem among children, especially girls. Throughout childhood, it is normal for children to be concerned about the way they look, their weight, and the type of food they consume. However, when a child begins to become obsessed with food, their shape or weight, and develops physical problems, it is possible that the child may have a mental health issue.
Children who have an eating or body image issue may hide their behavior and concerns about weight from friends and family.
Text
Eating and body image issues range from unhealthy eating to serious conditions, such as anorexia. Problems with food, fear of being fat, or fear of being perceived as fat may point to a mental health issue that can lead to serious and even deadly medical conditions.
Signs and Symptoms of an Eating or Body Image Concern
Your child may have an eating or body image concern if they:
Fear gaining weight or becoming fat
Are extremely dissatisfied with body shape or size, including feeling fat even if they are of normal weight or are underweight
Have unexplained weight change greater than 10 pounds
Change size in clothing
Have irregular menstrual periods or no longer have periods
Develop a low sense of self-esteem
Feel worthless because of their weight
Have a poor appetite
Are constantly dieting even though they are not overweight
Eat very little and are obviously avoiding fatty foods
Eat and then vomit to get rid of the food, including binge eating
Eat and then exercise much more than is typical
Over-exercise or have an obsessive attitude about physical activity
Become increasingly isolated from friends and family and have difficulty eating foods in front of others
Prepare food as if carrying out a ritual (for example, they may cut food up into tiny pieces)
Eat irregularly with wide variations in how much
Have unexplained constipation or diarrhea
Have fainting episodes or frequent lightheadedness
Possible Mental Health Diagnoses
Possible mental health diagnoses within this symptom cluster include:
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
Eating disorders
A child with the symptoms listed above could also have a medical problem related to eating. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about your child’s symptoms.
Bradley Hospital
About Bradley Hospital
Our History
Bradley Hospital Executive Leadership
Nursing at Bradley Hospital
Educational Partnerships
Nurse Residency Programs
Nursing Leadership
Psychiatric Nursing
The DAISY Award
Commitment to the Community
Bradley Hospital Facts and Statistics
Map, Directions, Parking and Volunteer Information
Bradley Hospital in the News
For Parents and Caregivers
Planning Your Visit
Your Child's Stay
Support Services
MyChart Patient Portal
Rights and Responsibilities
Rhode Island Mental Health Law: Patient Rights
Confidentiality Policy
For Families and Friends
While You're Here
Family Advisory Council
Support and Therapy Groups
Family Liaison Program
Nutrition: What We Offer
Making Connections
Animal Therapy at Bradley Hospital
Parenting Resources
Online Parent Support Groups
Resources for Parents
Resources for Veteran and Military Families
Children's Behavioral Health Resources
Insurance and Billing
Cost of Care
Programs and Levels of Care
Mindcast: Healthy Mind, Healthy Child Podcast
Parents Guide to Children's Mental Health
Defining Mental Health
Getting Help for Your Child
How to Find Help for Your Child
Crisis Situations with Children and Teens
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues
Early Child Development Issues
Overactivity and Inattentiveness
Extreme Anger or Irritability
Extreme Defiance
Learning Problems
Speech and Language Problems
Drug or Alchohol Use
Extreme Anxiety or Fear
Extreme Sadness and Despair
Eating and Body Image Concerns
Self-Injurious Behaviors
Child Abuse
Psychosis
Early Child Development
Talking to Your Child's Pediatrician
Mental Health Evaluations
ADHD Evaluation
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
Developmental Evaluation
Educational Evaluation
Feeding Evaluation
Neuro-Psychological Evaluation
Psychological Evaluation
Psychotherapy Evaluation
Speech-Language Evaluation
Common Mental Health Diagnoses
Paying for Mental Healthcare
Mental Health Support
You and Your Support Team
Advocacy Organizations
Health Insurance Care Managers
Mental Health Specialists
Mental Health Hospitals and Community Mental Health Centers
Medical Hospitals and Health Centers
Early Childhood Services
The School System
Accessing Special Education
Preparing for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Meeting
State Agencies
Community and Non-Profit Organizations
Coordinating Your Child's Care
Transitioning to Adulthood
Talking to Your Employer
Maternal Depression
Mental Health Treatment
Levels of Care: Explained
Psychotherapy
Trainings
Medications
Parenting Articles and Tips
Knowing When to Seek Help for Your Child
Understanding Your Child's Temperament
Building Your Child's Self-Esteem
Peer Relations
Getting Your Child to Sleep
Problems After a Traumatic Event
Talking With Your Child After a Traumatic Event
Bradley Hospital Social Work and Counseling
Patient Stories
Meet Alex
Meet Jordan
Patient Story: Meet Jack
Resources for Families
Giving to Bradley Hospital
Ways to Give
Trustees & Governors
Development Team
Philanthropy & Grant News
Bravo Bradley
Planned Giving
2025 Honor Roll of Supporters
Christopher Benedick Adopt a Family Program
With Gratitude: Patient Stories
AJ's Story
Lucas's story
Izzy's Story
Nathan's story
Profiles in Giving
Publications & Videos
reCAPTCHA