When Food Feels Scary: Eating Disorders in Kids & Teens (Early Signs & What Helps)

When food starts to feel tense, restrictive, or obsessive at home, it can send a parent into panic fast.In observation of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, Dr. Becky sits down with Dr. Erin Parks, Chief Clinical Officer at Equip Health, to talk about eating disorders and disordered eating in kids and teens—what the early signs look like, what’s happening emotionally underneath, and how parents can respond without escalating shame or control struggles.Eating disorders affect an estimated 30 million Americans in their lifetime. They are common. They are serious. And they are not caused by “bad parenting.” In this episode, we cover:

• Early warning signs of eating disorders in kids and teens (including boys)
• When “healthy eating” becomes rigid or concerning
• The role of perfectionism and control
• How diet culture shows up in family language
• What shame sounds like inside a teen’s head
• How to hold boundaries around health without turning food into a power struggle
• When it’s time to seek professional help

Disordered eating behaviors are not about vanity or defiance—they’re often attempts to regulate overwhelming feelings. This conversation will help you feel more oriented, more compassionate, and clearer about your role.Equip Health is a sponsor of Good Inside's new Teen podcast. Thank you to our partners for making this episode of Good Inside possible!

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