Eating Disorders and the Holidays: What Families Need to Know

For individuals in recovery from eating disorders — and for those who are still struggling — the holiday season can be the most challenging time of the year. The combination of large, food-centric gatherings, disrupted eating schedules, family dynamics and abundant comments about food, bodies and eating behaviors creates a uniquely high-risk environment. As dietitians specializing in eating disorders who work closely with Yale New Haven Hospital’s pediatric team and with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, we want to provide both practical and compassionate guidance for families.

For family members and loved ones, the most important thing to understand is that eating disorders are serious mental health conditions — not phases, choices or matters of willpower — and that well-intentioned comments about food and bodies can cause genuine harm. Avoid commenting on what anyone is or is not eating at the holiday table, commenting on body size or weight changes and pressuring someone to eat more or differently than they choose. Creating a safe, low-pressure eating environment does more to support recovery than any specific food intervention.

Protective factors for individuals in recovery include having a supportive person designated to check in with during the gathering, having a pre-agreed exit strategy if the environment becomes overwhelming and maintaining regular contact with their treatment team in the weeks surrounding the holidays. If you are concerned about a loved one’s relationship with food this holiday season, we encourage you to reach out to a qualified eating disorder professional. NutriGreene, as well as our telehealth services, provide specialized support.

Sources

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

• National Eating Disorders Association. Supporting someone with an eating disorder. NEDA. NationalEatingDisorders.org. 2024.

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