Food, body and exercise · Ages 13–17
When food and body concerns take up too much space.
During adolescence, your body changes a great deal. Many people also become more aware of food, exercise, appearance and what their bodies look like.
If thoughts about food, your body or exercise begin to control your daily life, mood or what you feel able to do, it is important to take this seriously.
Things you might notice
When things start to become difficult
Food takes up a lot of your thoughts
You think a lot about what you have eaten, what you will eat, calories, weight or how food affects your body.
You deliberately skip meals
You try to eat as little as possible, put off meals or make rules about what you are and are not allowed to eat.
Exercise feels like something you have to do
You feel very anxious or guilty if you do not exercise, or exercise to make up for food you have eaten.
You feel you lose control when eating
You eat a lot in a short time and feel unable to stop, or experience intense shame or guilt afterwards.
You try to get rid of food afterwards
You vomit, use laxatives, fast or exercise excessively after eating.
Your body starts signalling a problem
You feel weak, dizzy, cold or very tired, find it harder to concentrate or notice changes in your period.
Your body needs energy
You are still growing
During adolescence, your body uses energy for growth, hormones, your brain, bones, muscles and everyday activities. If your body receives less energy than it needs over time, it can affect both physical and mental health.
You may notice less energy, difficulty concentrating, weakness or dizziness. For some people, periods may also become more irregular or stop.
Your period can be a sign
If your periods stop
Periods can change for many reasons. Pregnancy, stress, illness, changes in weight, excessive exercise or too little energy may be among the explanations.
If you have had periods before and they stop over time, or you are eating very little, exercising a lot or losing weight, it is a good idea to speak to a school nurse or doctor.
Read about irregular periodsYou do not have to look ill
It is not just about weight
A difficult relationship with food can look very different from person to person. You can struggle with food, your body or exercise regardless of what your body looks like or how much you weigh.
What matters most is how your thoughts and actions affect your health, quality of life and everyday activities.
When should you tell someone?
You can ask for help early
You do not need to wait until you are certain you have an eating disorder. If food, body image or exercise makes you frightened, ashamed or very stressed, or begins controlling daily life, that is reason enough to speak with someone.
School nurse
You can start by describing your thoughts about food, your body and exercise, and how these affect you.
Your GP
Your GP can assess both physical and mental health and help you get further care if you need it.
Youth health clinic
You can get advice and speak to someone about food, your body, self-esteem and mental health.
Finding it hard to talk?
We can help you get started
You can create a short message to show or send to someone you trust, a school nurse or doctor.
Help me explainSources and further support