It often starts subtly — a child skipping breakfast before school, pushing food around their plate at dinner, or making comments like, “I feel fat.” For many parents, these moments spark quiet concern mixed with confusion. “Is this just a phase?” they wonder. But when food, weight, or body image begin to dominate a child’s thoughts or affect their wellbeing, it may signal something deeper — an eating disorder.
At KidsHeart, our pediatric psychology specialists often meet families in this very situation. Parents arrive feeling worried yet unsure of what to do, while their children may appear withdrawn, irritable, or overly focused on appearance. Understanding what’s happening — and acting early — can make a world of difference.
What Are Eating Disorders in Children and Teens?
Eating disorders aren’t simply about food. They are complex emotional conditions that develop when a child’s thoughts and feelings about eating, body image, and control become tangled.
Common types include:
- Anorexia nervosa, where children may restrict food intake due to fear of gaining weight or a distorted sense of their body.
- Bulimia nervosa, where cycles of overeating are followed by guilt or attempts to compensate.
- Binge eating disorder, involving repeated episodes of eating large amounts even when not hungry.
It’s important to know that eating disorders can affect boys as well as girls — though they sometimes show up differently, such as through excessive exercise or focus on muscularity. For younger children, selective eating — eating only a few “safe” foods — can also signal underlying anxiety or sensory sensitivities.
Why These Disorders Happen
For many children, food becomes a way to express what they can’t easily say. Feelings of stress, perfectionism, or low self-esteem can be channeled into controlling what or how they eat. A teen struggling with anxiety or impulse control might restrict food to feel “in charge,” while another might overeat to soothe emotional distress.
In the UAE’s fast-paced, multicultural environment, children are exposed to many influences — from social media images to peer pressure at school. Academic competition, transitions between schools, and adjusting to diverse social settings can all add invisible emotional weight. Cultural emphasis on appearance and family reputation can make open discussions about food and body image even more sensitive.
Recognizing these pressures allows parents to approach the issue not with blame, but with compassion.
Early Signs Parents Should Notice
While every child is unique, certain signs often point toward an unhealthy relationship with food:
- Avoiding family meals or eating secretly.
- Sudden changes in weight, energy, or sleep.
- Talking negatively about body shape or size.
- Obsessive calorie counting, or excessive exercise.
- Emotional outbursts, withdrawal, or irritability around food situations.
If your child shows one or more of these patterns, take it as a gentle signal to listen more closely — not a reason for alarm or shame. Early support can prevent symptoms from taking deeper root.
Did You Know?
Across the UAE, awareness of child and adolescent mental health has grown significantly in recent years. Schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are introducing wellbeing programs, mindfulness classes, and nutrition workshops that teach balance rather than restriction. Still, many families hesitate to seek psychological help due to fear of stigma or privacy concerns.
At KidsHeart, we’ve seen how early intervention — through compassionate counseling and emotional regulation support — helps children rebuild confidence and a healthy connection with food long before physical health is compromised.
Our multicultural team understands the local sensitivities around discussing weight or appearance, and works gently within each family’s comfort and values.
How Pediatric Psychologists Can Help
When you meet with a pediatric psychologist, the focus isn’t on “fixing” eating behaviors overnight. It’s about uncovering what the child is trying to communicate through their relationship with food.
Our Western-trained specialists in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain use evidence-based therapies such as play therapy and art therapy for younger children, helping them express feelings safely. Older children and teens may benefit from behavioral and emotional dysregulation support, mindfulness techniques, and cognitive behavioral approaches that build resilience and self-worth.
Therapy often includes:
- Gentle family sessions to promote open communication.
- Collaboration with nutritionists and pediatricians to ensure healthy recovery.
- Support for teachers and schools to understand and accommodate emotional needs.
Through steady care, children learn that food isn’t something to control or fear — it’s a way to nourish and respect their growing bodies.
How Families Can Help at Home
Parents play an essential role in helping their child heal. Small daily actions can create powerful change:
- Model positive attitudes about food and body image — avoid negative self-talk or labeling foods as “good” or “bad.”
- Keep mealtimes calm and connected. Avoid focusing on how much your child eats; instead, focus on being together.
- Encourage open conversations. Ask gentle questions like, “How do you feel when it’s time to eat?” rather than offering advice.
- Set a balanced tone at home. Talk about health, strength, and energy — not numbers on a scale.
- Seek help early. Just as you would with a physical symptom, reaching out early for guidance can prevent emotional distress from deepening.
At KidsHeart, we remind parents that seeking help doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with your child — it means you’re giving them a chance to thrive emotionally and physically.
A Parent’s Story of Hope
A mother in Dubai once shared how her 13-year-old daughter began skipping meals and spending hours watching “fitness” videos online. Over time, she became withdrawn and irritable. When the family reached out for help, our pediatric psychology team gently explored what was happening beneath the surface. Together, they discovered that her daughter’s anxiety about school performance and social comparison was the real issue.
Through therapy and family support, she learned to voice her fears, rebuild her self-confidence, and enjoy food again without guilt. Today, she takes pride in cooking family meals — a quiet but powerful symbol of healing. Stories like hers remind us that with understanding, patience, and early care, recovery is entirely possible.
Helping Minds Grow Stronger
Eating disorders are not signs of weakness or vanity — they are signs of inner distress, asking for kindness and attention. With the right guidance, children can rediscover balance, confidence, and joy in themselves and their bodies.
If you’re in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Al Ain and have noticed changes in your child’s eating patterns, mood, or self-image, our pediatric psychology specialists at KidsHeart can walk this journey with you. Every step of recovery begins with understanding, and we’re here to help you take that first step with compassion and expertise. Learn more or reach out today at KidsHeart Pediatric Psychology.