How do you know if you should talk to your teenage son about eating disorders? What should you look for?

Eating disorders in teenage boys are often underrecognized and stigmatized. Since societal norms usually associate these disorders with girls, boys are often unaware of the issue. Once they do become aware, they may hesitate to seek help.

Research shows eating disorder rates among boys are increasing. For example, one study showed drastic increases in the rates of hospitalizations for boys with eating disorders. Because of this, it’s important for all parents, even parents of boys, to know the signs and symptoms. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve a child's long-term health and well-being.

Understanding Eating Disorders in Teen Boys

Eating disorders in males are on the rise, partly because they were not always well recognized. The symptoms in boys can manifest differently. Unlike girls, boys often focus on muscularity and fitness rather than just food restriction or weight loss.

"In teenage boys, the emphasis might be on supplements, fitness and achieving a muscular body,” explains Noor H. Al-Husayni, M.D., an adolescent medicine specialist. “They may not initially present with desire for weight loss, but they may have a preoccupation with achieving a certain physique and focus on specific dietary patterns."

Common Signs and Symptoms

Spotting eating disorders in teenage boys is often challenging, but here are some signs to look out for:

• Binging and purging behaviors, such as using laxatives or diuretics
• Cutting out certain food groups
• Excessive focus on fitness and muscularity
• Obsessive calorie counting and tracking macro and micronutrients
• Preoccupation with weight and body image
• Using supplements like creatine to build muscle

On social media, boys might follow fitness influencers who often promote unrealistic body standards. This can lead to harmful behaviors, especially if the advice isn’t appropriate for their developmental stage.

Physical and Psychological Consequences

As a parent, it’s important to watch for and spot eating disorder warning signs among any of your children, including teenage boys. Untreated eating disorders can have severe physical and psychological consequences. Physically, your child can experience:

• Fatigue and electrolyte imbalances
• Low heart rate and blood pressure
• Potential need for hospitalization

Psychologically, eating disorders are often linked with low mood, anxiety and worsening of pre-existing mental health conditions.

"Teens with eating disorders may not recognize how severe their condition is because they often lack insight into how it’s impacting their health,” notes Dr. Al-Husayni.

Early Intervention and Treatment

If you spot any signs and symptoms of eating disorders in your child, it's important to take action. Don't sit back and wait for the condition to go away on its own.

"When you notice a teenage boy trying to lose weight, be curious about how and why he is doing it," advises Dr. Al-Husayni. "Blind praise without understanding how and why a teen is making specific dietary changes may contribute to disordered eating. Look for signs of obsession with weight tracking, strict dietary patterns and compulsive behaviors."

If you suspect an eating disorder, there’s no harm in consulting a pediatrician. They can connect your teen to the right resources and ensure he receives the guidance regarding the energy and nutrition he needs to grow and thrive.

Effective treatment for eating disorders in teenagers often involves a multidisciplinary team approach. This could include:

• Medical evaluation: Conducted by pediatricians or adolescent medicine specialists to determine the severity of the eating disorder and guide the level of care.
• Therapy and counseling: Provided by therapists specializing in eating disorders.
• Nutritional support: Offered by dietitians to ensure proper nutrition and address disordered eating patterns.
• Comprehensive care: Coordinated by a team of health care providers to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.

"We conduct medical evaluations, determine the severity of the disorder, and help guide the level of care needed," says Dr. Al-Husayni. "In most cases, counseling from both medical and mental health professionals is crucial."

How to Support Your Teenage Child

As a parent, you play a vital role in creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment for your teenage son. Here’s how you can help:

• Educate yourself: Learn as much as you can about eating disorders in teenage boys and how they manifest differently than in teenage girls.
• Stay observant: Watch for red flags like restricting certain foods or rigid dietary patterns. Remember that the warning signs often start subtly, with seemingly innocent behaviors like wanting to be more athletic or fit.
• Encourage open communication: Make sure your teen feels comfortable discussing their feelings and behaviors without fear of judgment. Be curious in your conversations, ask lots of questions and stay positive.
• Seek professional help: Turn to health care providers and specialists who are familiar with eating disorders in boys.

Out of all of this, what’s the smartest thing you can do for your teenage child, according to Dr. Al-Husayni?

"Educate yourself about what eating disorders can look like in boys,” Dr. Al-Husayni emphasizes. “ Keep an eye on your child’s eating habits and trends and don’t hesitate to bring any concerns to your pediatrician as early intervention is key."

For more resources, visit credible websites like feast-ed.org, which provide information and support for families dealing with eating disorders.

Next Steps & Resources

• Meet our sources: Noor H. Al-Husayni, M.D.
• Learn more about our behavioral health and adolescent medicine services.
• To make an appointment with a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.