Back to School With Eating Disorders: Supporting Your Teen at the Table

The return to school in late summer and fall is a period of heightened vulnerability for adolescents with eating disorders or disordered eating behaviors. The social dynamics of the cafeteria, increased peer commentary about bodies and food, the stress of academic performance and the loss of the summer’s more relaxed routine can all act as triggers. As dietitians specializing in eating disorders who work closely with the pediatric team at Yale New Haven Hospital, we want to provide practical guidance for families navigating this transition.

Warning signs that the back-to-school period may be affecting your teen’s relationship with food include increased food rituals or restrictions, avoidance of school lunch, heightened anxiety around food, comments about weight or body size and noticeable changes in energy or mood around mealtimes. If you observe these patterns, early intervention is critical — eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental health condition, and the sooner treatment begins, the better the outcomes.

For families without these acute concerns, back to school is still a good time to establish supportive mealtime norms at home: structured, device-free family dinners when possible, neutral language about food and bodies and an environment where all foods can be discussed openly without judgment or labeling. NutriGreene offers eating disorder nutrition counseling for adolescents and adults, with a non-diet, weight-inclusive approach grounded in current evidence.

Sources

• Treasure J, et al. Eating disorders. Lancet. 2020;395(10227):899-911.

• Academy for Eating Disorders. Medical care standards guide. AEDweb.org. 2021.

Ready to take the next step in your nutrition journey? Schedule an appointment at NutriGreene today. www.nutrigreene.com | (203) 429-4211 | info@nutrigreene.com