Is your daughter showing early signs of anorexia? Many parents grapple with this fear. Should you address it head-on? Trusted dietician Lenny Versteegden offers clear, expert guidance.
Question: My 14-year-old daughter has odd habits around food. She's very slim but now skips sprinkles on bread, eating only apple. She drinks lots of water and limits snacks to weekends. It might not be a disorder (she's not losing weight and claims to be happy with her body), but I must be cautious. Should I ask why, or stay quiet to avoid spotlighting it? S. de B., Arnhem
Answer from dietician Lenny Versteegden: Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder where individuals feel intense fear of weight gain despite being underweight. They often eat very little but hide it expertly.
At first, family and friends rarely notice. Some purge food using laxatives, diuretics, or self-induced vomiting—behaviors that are hard to spot.
The key indicator is significant weight loss. Over time, it often causes amenorrhea in girls and women. Chronic food refusal poses grave health risks.
Your description raises concerns worth monitoring closely. Should a slim 14-year-old fixate on diet? Excessive water drinking fills the stomach, curbing hunger—fitting a controlled eating style. Rule out diabetes, where thirst signals the issue.
Trust your gut that something feels off. Openly discuss it with her. If doubtful, consult your doctor promptly. Early action matters. Your instincts are reliable—talk to her too.
More tips on how to deal with a daughter with anorexia.
