Disordered Eating

Disordered eating refers to a wide range of irregular eating behaviors that do not meet the full criteria for a specific eating disorder such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, or Binge Eating Disorder. These behaviors may include chronic dieting, skipping meals, rigid food rules, obsessive calorie counting, or exercising excessively to control weight. While these patterns might appear less severe than a diagnosable eating disorder, they are still harmful and can progress into more serious conditions if left unaddressed.

For many people, disordered eating is a way of coping with emotional distress, insecurity, or a need for control. It is not simply about food or weight. Instead, it often reflects deeper emotional struggles related to identity, self-worth, or life transitions. A teen or young adult who restricts her food intake, for example, might be trying to manage anxiety or assert control during a time when much of her life feels uncertain.

Disordered eating arises from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. There is no single cause, and every individual’s experience is unique. Understanding the different influences can help parents recognize how complex and multifaceted these behaviors are.

Biological factors

Biological factors can include genetic predisposition, hormonal changes during puberty, and certain neurochemical imbalances that affect mood regulation and appetite. Teen girls who have close relatives with eating disorders, anxiety, or depression may be at higher risk.

Psychological factors

Psychological factors often play a central role. Low self-esteem, perfectionism, anxiety, or depression can contribute to the development of disordered eating behaviors. Teens may internalize unrealistic standards of beauty or link their self-worth to physical appearance. When emotions feel overwhelming, controlling food intake or exercise routines can provide a temporary sense of relief or accomplishment.

Social and cultural influences

Social and cultural influences are also powerful. Everyone today is saturated with media images and social media content that idealize thinness and “clean eating.” Peer comparisons, online trends, and societal pressures can make young people feel they must conform to narrow beauty ideals. Additionally, diet culture in a family system and comments from family members or peers about weight, eating habits, or body shape—often meant innocently—can reinforce harmful patterns and negative self-perceptions.

Recognizing disordered eating in yourself or your loved one can be difficult, as many behaviors may appear “normal” in today’s culture of diet and fitness. However, several emotional, behavioral, and physical signs may indicate a problem.

Emotional and behavioral signs may include:

• Frequent discussions about dieting, weight, or body shape
• Avoidance of family meals or social events involving food
• Obsessive focus on “healthy” eating or calorie content
• Excessive exercise, even when tired or injured
• Hiding or skipping meals
• Guilt or shame after eating
• Mood swings, irritability, or withdrawal from friends and family

Physical signs can include weight changes (up or down), changes in mood and sleep, fatigue, dizziness, and digestive problems. Sometimes the changes are subtle, making it important to pay attention to patterns rather than individual behaviors.

For parents, trust your instincts. If your daughter’s attitude toward food, exercise, or her body seems to be causing distress or interfering with daily life, it may be time to seek professional help. Early intervention greatly improves the chances of full recovery.

If you suspect your teen is struggling, approach the situation with compassion and curiosity rather than criticism. Avoid focusing on food or weight; instead, express concern for her emotional well-being. Statements like, “I’ve noticed you seem more anxious around meals, and I’m worried about you,” can open the door to honest conversation.

Creating a supportive home environment is key. Avoid negative body talk—both about yourself and others—and encourage balance rather than restriction. Model healthy eating behaviors and help your teen find joy in food and movement without guilt or rules. Family meals, open communication, and emotional support all play important roles in recovery.

Most importantly, seek help from a licensed therapist who specializes in eating disorders. Family involvement is often crucial, as disordered eating does not occur in isolation—it affects the entire family system. Therapy can help identify underlying emotional needs, strengthen family communication, and establish healthier coping strategies.

If you are a parent in Marin or the San Francisco Bay Area and are concerned that your daughter may be struggling with disordered eating, help is available. Early support can make all the difference in recovery.