Is social media fuelling teen eating disorders?

According to Dr Sanjay Chatterjee, recovery from an eating disorder goes far beyond simply getting the child to eat again. The process involves rebuilding a healthy relationship with food, self-image, and emotional regulation. Medical treatment is often necessary to stabilise the child physically, especially if there are signs of malnutrition or other health complications. But real progress happens when the emotional and psychological roots are addressed through therapy.

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Eating disorders are more than just issues with eating — they are serious mental health conditions that can affect children and teenagers physically, emotionally, and psychologically.

In a conversation with Dr Sanjay Chatterjee, Children's Physician at Super Specialized Hospital Ltd, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, it became clear that eating disorders in children are frequently misunderstood or overlooked. "Parents often think it's just a phase or fussiness," he explained, "but in many cases, these behaviours are rooted in something deeper."

Early Red Flags

Though full-fledged eating disorders are typically diagnosed in adolescence, Chatterjee emphasized that some conditions can surface much earlier. One of the most concerning is Pica, where a child repeatedly eats nonfood items like wall paint, chalk or paper. "We've seen cases of Pica in children under two years old," he said. "It's often triggered by nutritional deficiencies — especially iron —or associated with developmental conditions like autism."

While correcting the deficiency can help, the underlying issue often needs psychological support. "It's not just about stopping the behaviour," he added. "We need to ask why the child is doing it in the first place.”

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