Certain things, like societal pressure, ability to participate in favorite activities, and genetics or biological factors may contribute to teen eating disorders and it is important for parents to be aware of these factors for prevention of eating disorders.
To help prevent teen eating disorders, open and clear communication with your teen is important. Talk to your son or daughter about eating habits and body image. It might not be easy, but it’s important. Here is what you can do for prevention of teen eating disorders:
Encourage Healthy-Eating Habits
Talk to your teen about how diet can affect his or her health, appearance and energy level. Encourage your teen to eat when he or she is hungry. Make a habit of eating together as a family.
Discuss the Messages in the Media
Television programs, movies, websites and other media might send your teen the message that a certain look is better or only a certain body type is acceptable. Popular culture tends to place a premium on being thin. Even with a normal body weight, teens can easily develop the perception that they’re fat. This can trigger an obsession with losing weight and dieting. Encourage your teen to talk about and question what he or she has seen or heard. It is especially important to be aware of websites or other sources that promote anorexia as a lifestyle choice, rather than an eating disorder.
Promote a Healthy Body Image 
Talk to your teen about his or her self-image and offer reassurance that healthy body shapes vary. Don’t allow hurtful nicknames or jokes based on a person’s physical characteristics. Avoid making comments about another person based on his or her weight or body shape.
Foster Self-Esteem
Making sure your teen feels good about himself or herself is so important in preventing any at risk teen behavior. Respect your teen’s accomplishments, and support his or her goals. Listen when your teen speaks. Look for positive qualities in your teen, such as curiosity, generosity and a sense of humor. Remind your teen that your love and acceptance is unconditional and not based on his or her weight or appearance.
Discuss the Dangers of Dieting and Emotional Eating
Explain that dieting can compromise nutrition, growth and health, as well as lead to the development of binge eating over time. Remind your teen that eating or controlling his or her diet isn’t a healthy way to cope with emotions. Instead, encourage your teen to talk to loved ones, friends or a counselor about problems he or she might be facing.
Use Food for Nourishment Only
Many parents get into the habit of using food as a reward or consequence. Resist the temptation to offer food as a bribe. Similarly, don’t take away food as a punishment.
Be a Good Example
Remember that it is important to set a good example yourself. If you’re constantly dieting, using food to cope with your emotions or talking about losing weight, you might have a hard time encouraging your teen to eat a healthy diet or feel satisfied with his or her appearance. Children learn behaviors from their parents. Make conscious choices about your lifestyle and take pride in your body.
Team Up with Your Teen’s Doctor
Your teen’s doctor can reinforce the messages you’re giving your teen at home, as well as help identify early signs of an eating disorder. As genetics or biological factors might make some teens more likely to develop eating disorders, the doctor can look for unusual changes in your teen’s body mass index or weight percentiles during routine medical appointments. The doctor can talk to your teen about his or her eating habits, exercise routine and body image. If necessary, he or she can refer your teen to a mental health provider.
