How to Treat Disordered Eating in Teens

By Sarah Dino, APC

If you're looking for a simple, one-size-fits-all solution to treating disordered eating, you're coming to the wrong place. The reality is that treating disordered eating is subjective—there is no single answer. However, as a therapist who works with adolescents experiencing disordered eating, I've noticed several key approaches that have helped clients improve their relationship with food.

1. Talk About Nutrition

One surprising observation I've made is the general lack of nutrition knowledge among teens and their families. Many teens have limited understanding of portion sizes, what constitutes a balanced diet, or how nutrient deficiencies can affect their health. Opening up discussions about balanced nutrition can equip teens with foundational knowledge to make informed decisions about eating. This doesn't mean imposing strict rules but helping them understand that nutrition is a tool for better health—one that looks different for everyone based on their needs, activity levels, and unique body types.

2. Notice How You Talk About Food

Another important factor is how parents and caregivers talk about food. Many of my teen clients report that their parents rarely comment on what they're eating, but when we explore this further, we often discover that parents do comment on their own eating habits or bodies. Teens, being impressionable, might assume that the way a parent talks about their own food or body reflects how they feel about their child's eating habits. Therefore, parents should be mindful of their language around food and body image. Small changes in how adults talk about eating can significantly impact how teens view their own relationship with food.

3. Be Patient and Consistent

Treating disordered eating takes time. It’s important for both parents and teens to remain patient with the process. There will likely be setbacks, but consistency and continued support are key to long-term change. This includes staying committed to healthy eating habits, maintaining communication, and setting realistic goals for improvement.

4. Know When to Seek Professional Help

While disordered eating does not meet the criteria for an eating disorder, those with disordered eating behaviors are at a higher risk for developing one. Early intervention is key to preventing more severe issues. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (n.d.), seeking help early can lead to better recovery outcomes. If disordered eating behaviors begin to escalate—becoming more frequent, lasting longer, leading to physical health problems, or impacting social or family relationships—it may be time to seek professional support. Early intervention can help teens develop healthier eating habits before things spiral further.

By educating teens about nutrition, having open and honest conversations, being patient and recognizing that it is a process, and knowing when to seek help, we can support teens as they change their relationship with food. While the experience is different for everyone, if teens feel supported, seen and heard, recovery from disordered eating is possible.