over the last couple of weeks I have noticed a few changes in my daughter’s behaviour and am concerned they could be early signs that could lead to an eating disorder. They are: refusing to eat foods she usually enjoys, running around the garden at mealtimes (when asked why she says she feels like she’s got too much energy), drinking huge amounts of water, asking for Green tea.
I checked the browser history on her phone and she has made several searches on topics like ‘how to be thinner’, ‘drinks to get thinner’ (resulting in the interest in green tea I assume), ‘is xx KG fat for an 11 year old girl’.
She is a healthy weight and very athletic and tall for her age. Currently I do think she is eating ok overall, despite randomly turning down some foods. She has always been a perfectionist and interested in looking good.
My husband have agreed that we need to talk to her about the reliability of information online but we’re not sure how to address the sudden interest in weight loss. I’m devastated that she’s feeling unhappy with her body and would like to deal this but am also concerned that making a big deal out of it will make thing worse.
Does anyone have any advice?