Eating problems
Many of us will be unhappy with our body size or shape at some point in our lives and will try to change it.
But if your child’s eating patterns become unhealthy, or worries about body size and eating become a constant preoccupation, then they may need personal and professional support.
Eating problems can be caused by things such as worry or stress. Children who feel under pressure may lose their appetite. They may turn to food for comfort and eat even when they are not at all hungry. In some cases there may be more serious underlying disorders.
Though eating problems are particularly common among teenage girls, boys can also suffer from them as well. We strongly advise you to ring the helpline if you discover that your child has developed problems around food and eating. This issue is very complicated and its very difficult to offer a ‘catch-all’ solution.
Further help
Information about more specific eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, is also available on this site:
Worried about eating problems and disorders
(for young people)
Worried about a young person's eating problems
(for parents)
Download our podcast on eating problems
