How to Open a Conversation with Teens About Healthy Eating

Eating disorders are a serious problem that some people face every day. Anorexia, Bulimia and binge eating are the three main common types of eat disorders. Each one has its own unique characteristics, but most are developed from a negative self-body image. Over half of teenage girls and nearly one third of teenage boys use unhealthy habits such as skipping meals to control their weight. A teen’s opinion of weight is often influenced by parents and studies have shown if parents will place the emphasis on healthy eating habits and not healthy weight; then the teenager is less likely to develop an eating disorder. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released new guidelines to help avoid the development of eating disorders. In the recommendations, they discourage dieting and encourage a balanced diet and exercise for fitness.

Key Points:

  • 1Oftentimes, teens’ opinions on weight, health and their own bodies are heavily influenced by parents, doctors and other trusted adults. It’s been shown that kids whose parents and doctors focus on healthy eating and physical activity rather than weight are less likely to have an eating disorder or engage in unhealthy weight control behaviors.
  • 2With this in mind, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released new guidelines for pediatricians and parents to help teens avoid both the development of eating disorders and obesity.
  • 3Neville Golden, MD, lead author on the report and member of NEDA’s Medical Advisory Committee, stated: “Dieting and size-related shaming are closely linked to the development of eating disorders. Parents and physicians are not to blame, but they can play an important role in setting healthy examples and working to prevent dangerous habits.”


Oftentimes, teens’ opinions on weight, health and their own bodies are heavily influenced by parents, doctors and other trusted adults. It’s been shown that kids whose parents and doctors focus on healthy eating and physical activity rather than weight are less likely to have an eating disorder or engage in unhealthy weight control behaviors.

Read the full article at: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/blog/how-to-talk-to-teens-about-healthy-eating

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Written by HealthStatus
Medical Writer & Editor

HealthStatus has been operating since 1998 providing the best interactive health tools on the Internet, millions of visitors have used our health risk assessment, body fat and calories burned calculators. The HealthStatus editorial team has continued that commitment to excellence by providing our visitors with easy to understand high quality health content for many years.

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