Eating Disorders in Youths: Risk Factors, Statistics, and Recovery

Thrive • September 29, 2021

EATING DISORDER TRIGGERS IN YOUTHS

Dangerous and deadly, eating disorders are psychological illnesses that fatally claim one out of ten of their victims. There are a variety of societal, cultural, and environmental influences that can lead to the development of eating disorders, which we’ll explore below. At an impressionable age, youths can be more affected by these factors than adults. In fact, the average age of onset for eating disorders is 12 to 13 years old.

It is important to be aware of common risk factors for youth eating disorders, which include:

  • Family Influences: Family eating behaviors such as dieting and counting calories can serve as dangerous models for youths. Children of parents who are overly concerned about their weight tend to face an increased risk of developing eating disorders.
  • Culture and Media: Youths are influenced by media and cultural body image standards as early as elementary school. According to research cited by the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) , of elementary school girls who read magazines, 69 percent say that the pictures influence their concept of the ideal body shape, and 47 percent of them say the pictures made them want to lose weight.
  • Weight-Based Victimization: Weight stigma consists of discriminatory behavior and ideas about body shape and size. Victims of weight stigma may develop resulting depression, low self-esteem, and body dissatisfaction — all of which can lead to eating disorders, especially in youth.
  • Dieting Culture: Dieting at a young age can also be a major factor in the development of eating disorders. According to research cited by NEDA , in comparison to adolescents who did not diet, those who dieted moderately were five times more likely to develop an eating disorder, and those who practiced extreme food restriction were 18 times more likely to develop an eating disorder.
  • Competitive Athletics: Another risk factor for developing an eating disorder as a youth is being a competitive athlete. According to research cited by NEDA , athletes competing in sports that emphasized diet, appearance, size and weight were most at risk. One study cited by NEDA found that 35 percent of female and 10 percent of male college athletes were at risk for anorexia nervosa and 58 percent of female and 38 percent of male college athletes were at risk for bulimia nervosa.

TYPES OF EATING DISORDERS

Just like adults, youths are at risk for developing anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), among others. 

Discover how these eating disorders show up in the youth demographic below, according to research and statistics distributed by NEDA

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by inadequate caloric intake, excessive exercise, and malnourishment. Between .3 and .4 percent of young women and .1 percent of young men will suffer from anorexia nervosa. Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 with anorexia have 10 times the risk of dying compared to their same-aged peers.

Binge Eating Disorder

Episodes of overeating and feelings of loss of control about eating are signs of binge eating disorder. The illness often begins in the late teens or early twenties, but it has also been reported in young children.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by episodes of bingeing followed by purging, fasting, or exercising excessively. At any given point in time, one percent of young women and .1 percent of young men will meet diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa.

ARFID

Children who suffer from ARFID have difficulty eating due to a lack of interest, sensory aversions, or worry that may choke, vomit, or experience pain. One study showed that adolescents with ARFID were more likely to be younger and male.

YOUTH EATING DISORDER TREATMENT AT THRIVE

Thrive is dedicated to stopping youth eating disorders in their tracks through holistic, multidisciplinary, and targeted eating disorder treatment . Our team includes primary care clinicians, therapists, psychiatrists, nutritionists, and mindful movement specialists who all collaborate to provide integrated care.

Our eating disorder treatment programs welcome adolescents, and we even offer a specialized eating disorder treatment program tailored specifically to youths. Thrive Sacramento’s Family Intensive Outpatient Program caters to adolescents and their families. The program begins with two days of intensive treatment and education followed by individual therapy, family therapy, psychoeducation, and clinical support for nine to twelve months. For more information about our eating disorder treatment services, feel free to reach out to us .

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December 2, 2025
Like the fir tree, a symbol of endurance rooted in hope, our Family Inclusive Recovery (FIR) approach reflects the strength that grows when families face challenges together. At our new residential center “The Greenhouse”, FIR is more than a treatment model, it’s a philosophy of healing that places families at the heart of recovery for adolescents and young adults navigating eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We believe lasting healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s built with the support of families through perseverance, hope, and compassionate care. What Is Family Inclusive Recovery (FIR)? Family Intensive Recovery (FIR) is a specialized and immersive approach that actively engages caregivers as central agents in their child’s healing process. Rather than seeing families as contributors to a problem, we view them as essential partners in recovery. Drawing from two evidence-based frameworks, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) and Family-Based Treatment (FBT), FIR helps families cultivate resilience, confidence, and connection throughout the journey to recovery. Grounded in SPACE and FBT Through the SPACE model, parents learn how to recognize and reduce well-intentioned but unhelpful behaviors known as accommodations that can reinforce anxiety and OCD symptoms. By shifting from rescuing to supporting and challenging, parents develop the confidence to guide their child through discomfort, helping them build distress tolerance and self-trust. Simultaneously, Family-Based Treatment (FBT) empowers families to take an active, compassionate role in their child’s nutritional and emotional recovery. Parents learn how to support weight and nutritional restoration, disrupt the eating disorder’s patterns, and reestablish boundaries that promote health and growing autonomy. Together, these approaches strengthen both the individual and family system, allowing recovery to take root within an environment of empathy and optimism. From Blame to Collaboration A cornerstone of the FIR model is removing blame. At Thrive, parents are not viewed as the cause of their child’s struggles, but rather as key partners in recovery. Treatment focuses on joining forces to create a safe, supportive environment where: Families learn to sit with their child's discomfort alongside them without rushing to fix or control it. Parents practice compassionate firmness, setting boundaries grounded in care and safety. Teens and caregivers rebuild trust through open, honest communication. This collaborative framework helps families reestablish a sense of connection and confidence, fostering long-term resilience and open communication that extends beyond the treatment setting. Why Family Matters in Recovery Recovery from eating disorders, OCD, or anxiety isn’t a one-person job, it requires integrated care including the family. When families learn to navigate challenges together, they can model emotional regulation, reinforce healthy boundaries, and create conditions for sustained recovery. Through FIR, we aim to strengthen attachment bonds, reshape family interactions, and empower every member of the family to grow. The result is not only symptom reduction but also a deeper sense of unity, hope, and shared endurance, just like the steadfast fir tree that stands resilient through every season. Moving Toward Hope Family Inclusive Recovery invites caregivers and loved ones to become active participants in change. It’s a journey of learning, letting go, and leaning into love and acceptance. Together, families and clinicians can cultivate the courage in clients to face uncertainty, and in doing so, help them discover that recovery is not just possible, but enduring. If you’d like to learn more about Family Intensive Recovery at The Greenhouse or how we support families in eating disorder and OCD treatment, reach out to our team today.
November 14, 2025
The Greenhouse at Thrive Wellness A New Chapter of Hope and Healing in Nevada On Friday, November 14 , we gathered with our partners at Molina Healthcare to share an important moment for our community. Together, we celebrated Molina’s generous $50,000 grant , an investment that is helping bring The Greenhouse to life. Their support is not only a financial contribution—it’s a statement of belief in the young people and families of Nevada who deserve access to compassionate, evidence-based mental healthcare close to home. This gathering marked the beginning of something we’ve dreamed about for years: a place designed specifically for adolescents and emerging adults to receive the care, connection, and support they need during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Something New Is Growing In early 2026 , Thrive Wellness will open The Greenhouse , Nevada’s first residential treatment center devoted to adolescents and emerging adults navigating eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD . For too long, families have faced a heartbreaking dilemma—send their child far from home for treatment or go without the specialized care they need. The Greenhouse is our answer to that gap. It will be a place where young people can settle into an environment built for healing, where they are understood, supported, and surrounded by a team that believes in their capacity to recover. The Greenhouse represents a natural extension of our mission. It’s a living expression of our belief that recovery is possible—and that with the right support, families can find their footing again. 
November 11, 2025
Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back this holiday season? Thrive Wellness is excited to continue our 6th Annual Giving Tree Program in collaboration with Perenn Bakery this winter. This year, Thrive Wellness Reno and Perenn Bakery are proud to partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northern Nevada. The organization supports families with children receiving treatment at area hospitals, providing comfort, hope, and a home-away-from-home during challenging times. Ronald McDonald House Charities offers essential services, removes barriers, strengthens families, and promotes healing when children need healthcare the most. How It Works Simply take one (or a few) tags from the Giving Tree, each listing an item you can purchase and donate for residents of the Ronald McDonald House. Then, drop off your item(s) at one of our designated donation locations by Friday, December 19. Items Needed: Restaurant gift cards Walmart or Target gift cards Games, puzzles, and coloring books Toys (Barbie, Hot Wheels, Lego sets, craft sets, magnet blocks, baby dolls, action figures, journals, infant toys, etc.) Children's books (picture, chapter, and graphic novels) Toiletry sets (for adults) Lotion/self-care gift sets (for adults) Sweatshirts/hoodies (adults, XS-XXL) Scarves, gloves, fuzzy socks, pajamas (all sizes) Infant diapers, onesies, and baby bottles Bulk individually wrapped snacks (granola bars, chips, etc.) Please ensure all donations are new, in original packaging, and unwrapped. Donation Drop-Off Locations Please deliver donations by Friday, December 19, to one of the following sites: Thrive Wellness 201 W Liberty St., Suite 201, Reno, NV 89501 Perenn Grocery 7600 Rancharrah Pkwy, Suite 130, Reno, NV 89511 The first 50 people to return their donations will receive a complimentary ornament gift!  Why We Give Back Through our Giving Tree program, we’re honoring one of our core values at Thrive Wellness: staying rooted in community. This annual tradition allows us to give back to those who need support most during the holiday season. We invite you to join us by taking a tag at any Thrive or Perenn location and helping spread kindness throughout our community. There’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by supporting local families with thoughtful, heartfelt donations. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and continued support. Thank you for helping us make a difference!
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