Restrictive Eating: Could It Be a Sign of Anorexia Nervosa?

Have you noticed your child eating less than usual, skipping meals or becoming increasingly worried about food/calories or their weight? Perhaps they have started avoiding certain foods, exercising more or expressing concerns about their weight or body shape.

These changes can be worrying for parents. While eating habits can change for many reasons, sometimes they may be signs of an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa.

What is restrictive eating?

Restrictive eating happens when a person limits the amount or type of food they eat. This may involve skipping meals, eating smaller portions, avoiding certain food groups or following strict food rules.

When there is an intentional drive for restriction and this restriction is linked to an intense fear of weight gain or behaviours aimed at preventing weight gain, it may be a sign of anorexia nervosa.

What are the signs parents should look out for?

Anorexia nervosa can develop gradually, and the signs are not always easy to recognise. Some possible changes include:

• Eating less than usual: Your child may skip meals, leave food unfinished or say they are not hungry.
• Increasing food rules: They may avoid foods they previously enjoyed, cut out food groups or become very concerned about calories, ingredients or portion sizes.
• Worries about weight and body shape: They may frequently talk about their weight, feel that their body is not good enough or become afraid of gaining weight.
• Changes in exercise: They may exercise excessively, feel guilty when they cannot exercise or struggle to take rest days.
• Changes in mood and behaviour: They may become more anxious, withdrawn, irritable or distressed around mealtimes.
• Avoiding meals with others: They may make excuses not to eat with family or friends, or become uncomfortable when others comment on their eating.

Some children may also experience dizziness, feeling cold, tiredness, difficulty concentrating or changes in growth and development.

Importantly, a child does not need to look underweight to have an eating disorder. Restrictive eating can affect physical health even when a person’s weight appears to be within the expected range.

How can parents help?

It can be frightening to notice these changes, especially if your child becomes defensive when you try to talk about food.

Try to approach the conversation with curiosity and compassion rather than focusing on weight or appearance. Let your child know that you are concerned about how they are feeling and want to help.

You can:

• Encourage regular meals and snacks in line with professional guidance.
• Avoid criticism, blame or comments about your child’s body.
• Listen to their worries without dismissing them, even if they seem difficult to understand.
• Seek professional support early, rather than waiting for the problem to become more severe.

If any of this feels familiar, don’t wait. Speak to your GP or an eating disorder service about an assessment, because the earlier a child gets support, the better the outlook. Univa’s programmes are designed to meet families at whichever point they’ve reached: the restrictive eating programme for children with early signs or suspected anorexia, and the anorexia programme for children with a diagnosis. In both, parents and carers are supported every step of the way.

If your child is fainting, experiencing chest pain, becoming confused or showing signs of severe physical weakness, seek urgent medical help.