Challenges with food and disliking your body can be an intense and persistent struggle, you may even start to wonder, do I have an eating disorder?

I would like to start by saying that if you are even asking the question of “do I have an eating disorder?” even if only in those far recesses of your brain, then you are struggling more than you have to and you could benefit from support regardless of whether or not you have a diagnosable eating disorder.

You child was just diagnosed with an eating disorder, and you have a million questions and concerns. Your child is already off to a good start because you’re reading this and you are going to get them the care they need. Here are some questions you may have:

Eating disorders are the second most common chronic medical condition during adolescence. Families can absolutely help reduce the risk of their child or teen developing an unhealthy relationship with food. Here are 5 things as adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Did you know that dieting is the #1 risk factor for developing an eating disorder?

I didn’t know that when I was a teenager. And I suspect my parents didn’t either. We can’t guarantee that our kids will be safe from developing disordered eating or an eating disorder, but we can help reduce their risk by discouraging dieting in the first place.

What’s really awesome is that parents can be the first line of defense against dieting and disordered eating.