289: Signs Your Teen is Heading Towards an Eating Disorder | Dr. Kelly Bhatnagar

Your kid announces they’re cutting out sugar. No cookies or dessert, just carrots and hummus for lunch on repeat. You notice they’ve lost a little weight. And somewhere in the back of your mind, a voice keeps asking: is this fine, or is this not fine? Are you being anxious, or are you being appropriately worried? That in-between space is exhausting. If that’s where you are right now, you’re not overreacting, and you’re not alone. Dr. Kelly Bhatnagar walks us through what actually separates a “healthy eating” phase from something worth a closer look — and why the kids who need the most support are often the ones who feel, to themselves, the most in control. You’ll walk away with a simple framework for bringing this up with your kid — one that doesn't require perfect timing or the perfect words. Dr. Lisa Damour is a clinical psychologist, New York Times bestselling author, and globally recognized expert on adolescent development who partners with UNICEF to support parents worldwide. Dr. Kelly Bhatnagar is a licensed clinical psychologist and eating disorder specialist with over 20 years of experience, co-founder of the Center for Emotional Wellness, and a certified provider of Maudsley Family-Based Treatment for adolescents. Dr. Bhatnagar’s eating disorder consulting services and program development coaching: www.eatpsychscience.com Maudsley Family-Based Treatment: https://www.aedweb.org/aed-training-program/training-program-mantra-11-2026 The Academy for Eating Disorders (AED): https://www.aedweb.org/home F.E.A.S.T. (Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders): https://feast-ed.org/ American Academy of Pediatrics statement about weight and behavior-focused guidance: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/138/3/e20161649/52684/Preventing-Obesity-and-Eating-Disorders-in ________________ GET DR. 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Ask Lisa: Untangling Family Life tackles the questions that keep parents up at night — academics, friendships, mental health, screens, meltdowns, and more. Every week, psychologist Lisa Damour teams up with a different expert to answer a real parent's real question — no fluff, no judgment, just practical, evidence-based advice you can actually use. Dr. Damour and her colleagues also turn their attention to the emotional rollercoaster of raising kids — the moments that leave you feeling uneasy, overwhelmed, or just plain alone. You don't have to have it all figured out. You just have to hit play. ________________ Today's Sponsors: Caraway: 10% off your next order with promo code ASKLISA at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.carawayhome.com/asklisa⁠⁠⁠ Oak Essentials: Use the code ASKLISA for 15% off your next purchase at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.Oakessentials.com⁠⁠. 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