Eating Disorders in Teens

Eating Disorder Treatment for Teens with a Medical Nutrition Therapist in the St. Louis Area, Missouri and Illinois

Achieve Recovery with the Guidance of Expert Eating Disorder Dietitian Nutritionists for Teens, Adolescents, and Young Adults – Overcome Anorexia, Bulimia, Orthorexia, Binge Eating Disorder, ARFID, and Disordered Eating

What causes eating disorders in teens?

There may be a variety of factors that contribute to eating disorders in teens. Genetics, trauma, anxiety, depression, environmental struggles such as being raised in a very diet-focused home, or societal pressures that preach “thin = happier” (for girls) and “muscular + happier” (for boys).  

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When a teen feels pressure from things that feel out of control in their life, such as friendships, school, etc., they often think, “well, I can’t control xyz, but I can control what I eat and how my body may look in return!”

How are eating disorders in teens treated?

Eating disorders in teens are treated no different than any other person suffering from an eating disorder – treatment is individualized. Our dietitians provide online and in-person outpatient nutrition therapy.

We will:

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  • Conduct a comprehensive nutritional assessment.

  • Collaborate with the treatment team to ensure comprehensive care.

  • Provide nutrition education and counseling to promote healthy eating habits.

  • Provide nutrition counseling to improve relationship with food and body.

  • Monitor and support weight restoration and maintenance.

  • Address nutritional deficiencies or imbalances.

  • Incorporate family-based treatment when appropriate.

  • Provide ongoing support and monitoring throughout the recovery process.

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Family sessions might be recommended at times to give parents and caregivers tools and strategies to provide support to their teen, to emphasize treatment recommendations around food, and to hold boundaries with their teen and the eating disorder. Recovery is possible.

How common are eating disorders in teens?

Eating disorder beliefs and behaviors typically begin during adolescence, and they are, unfortunately, very common. Research findings indicate that there has been a rise in teens suffering from mental health issues and disordered eating, especially post the COVID-19 pandemic.​

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Here are some statistics from ANAD and NIMH:

  • 35% – 57% of teenage girls say they use dieting and/or purging to manage their weight.

  • 50% of people with BED began their behaviors before the age of 19.

  • Between the ages of six and ten, girls start to worry about their weight, and by the age of 14, 60-70% are trying to lose weight.

  • Weight-related teasing is the number 1 way kids bully one another.

  • Approximately 12% of adolescent girls have some form of eating disorder or disordered eating, and only 20% of adolescents struggling with an ED reach out for help.

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Eating Disorders in Teen Boys:

Eating disorders don’t discriminate and teen boys are affected by them as well. Up to 1/3 of teens struggling with anorexia, bulimia, BED, ARFID, orthorexia, and restrictive eating are male.

Boys and adolescent males are often missed because eating disorders are mistakenly considered a “girl problem”. Oftentimes boys can hide in plain sight because their bodies don’t change as radically as girls’. Also, the signs and symptoms can manifest differently in boys (see below). 

It’s often more challenging for a teen male to open up about their struggles due to this idea that males have to be “tough and strong,” but they, just like their female counterparts, have societal pressures and struggles too.

What to Look for with Eating Disorders in Teens:

Red flags may include:

  • Changes in eating frequency

  • A decreased intake during family meals OR eating large amounts of food

  • An increased preoccupation with body image

  • Working out more than usual

  • Rigidity around eating rituals

  • Having unusual behaviors around food (cutting food into small pieces, pushing food around the plate)

  • Refusing to eat certain food groups

  • Constantly weighing themselves

  • Running to the bathroom after meals/snacks

  • Wearing baggy clothes

  • Distancing themselves from friends and family (in particular when food is involved)

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Being aware of the signs and symptoms of eating disorders can lead to early detection and early help. If you believe you or someone you love is suffering, open up, have a candid conversation, and get help. Recovery is possible.

Our Team of Dietitian Nutritionists in the Greater St. Louis Area

Branz Nutrition Counseling is a team of certified eating disorder dietitians who provide compassionate care to those struggling with their relationship to food. Our approach is weight-inclusive, LGBTQIA+, and social justice-oriented, which means that we believe that everyone deserves access to quality care. 

 

We can’t wait to meet you!

With locations in Illinois and Missouri, we offer both virtual and in-person counseling sessions. And, we are licensed to provide Telehealth nutrition therapy to  patients around the country.

​Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Illinois | Missouri | New York | Texas | Virginia

We see clients in person in the St. Louis area, Missouri, Illinois, and from around the country via Telehealth. Learn more here.

Scroll to see the whole team.

How It Works – An Easy Three-Step Process to Get You on the Road to Recovery

Make An Appointment

What service do you need? We offer a range of appointments of different durations to best fit your needs.

Meet with your Personal Dietitian

Be paired with the dietitian nutritionist on our team and get continued support with one of our online groups. One-on-one counseling, in-person, or virtual. WE TAKE INSURANCE!

Take Control of Your Life

Heal your relationship with food and your body. Choose the best foods for your unique needs. Get the tools you need to live a healthy life. Receive continued support.

Note: In order to secure a spot on a dietitian’s schedule, we need a valid payment method on file.

Our Testimonials

Thank you for choosing us as the Best Dietitian Practice in STL (2023)

  • There have been times where my daughter will eat 4 bowls of carrots and turn down a cookie, and there have been times where she will want all the fruit snacks and nothing else, but it doesn’t stress me out because I know now that it’s just what her body wants in the moment. The information provided in your course not only helps my kids, but also opened my eyes to some of my own internal struggles around sugar and meal times!"

  • My sister Gifted this program to me and I'm so glad she did! I've already gotten so much out of watching the modules and reading the PDFs."

  • Understanding and implementing the Division of Responsibility in Feeding really takes the pressure off meal times. I love sitting down to enjoy dinner with my family and I hope it’s a memory my kids enjoy when they’re older too."

  • Also, againg, thank you for being so kind to "A". She usually does not like seeing "doctor like people", but she actually enjoys coming to see you, so that says a lot.

    by Mother of a Patient, Saint Louis, MO

  • I can't thank you enough for all you have done for us. I know we will continue to deal with food issues but at least I see hope. I honestly don't know how L(or myself) could have got through the past year without you. You literally are a lifesaver!! You are an amazing dietitian!!.

    by Mother of a Patient

  • Thank you for the caring devoted service and gentle compassion you have shown "S" over the years.

    by Mother of a Patient, Saint Louis, MO

  • I am truly grateful we found you to be he nutritionist. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

    by Mother of a Patient, Saint Louis, MO

  • "For most of my life, I have correlated the size of my body to being loved and accepted. The smaller I am, the more lovable and acceptable I am. Giving up the dieting, the rules, and the noise has given me the freedom to trust, appreciate and accept love from others as well as myself".

    by

  • I truly appreciate the encouragement and hearfelt, genuine concern you have for me. Your counsel and empathy have meant a great deal and helped keep me going during difficult times.

    by C, Saint Louis, MO

  • Thanks for helping me think about food differently and providing guidance regarding how to select carbs. Also, thanks for helping me recognize that the evolution would take several months to come to a 'new normal'.

    by E, Saint Louis, MO

We Accept Insurance

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Our team of Dietitians offers online support as well as in-person appointments in MO and IL.