Supporting a Young Person Struggling with Being Underweight and Disordered Eating: 5 FBT-Based Tips for Caregivers

When a young person is underweight due to disordered eating, the risks extend far beyond just weight. Being significantly underweight during childhood or adolescence can impact physical growth, brain development, bone health, and emotional well-being. Disordered eating patterns can also disrupt daily life and family dynamics, creating distress for everyone involved. Early intervention is key, and caregivers play a vital role in supporting recovery.

Boomerang Health’s Eating Disorders Clinic offers social work and dietetic support, built on the evidence-based framework of Family-Based Therapy (FBT). FBT is a well-researched approach that empowers families to take an active role in restoring their child’s health while supporting their emotional needs.

Here are 5 practical tips informed by FBT principles to help you support a young person in your life who is struggling with disordered eating:

1. Take Charge of Eating and Act Early
   It is important for caregivers to take responsibility for helping their child eat enough to restore weight safely. This may mean preparing meals, supervising eating, and encouraging the young person to eat, even if they resist. Remember, the goal is health restoration first, weight gain is a necessary and healing part of recovery.
2. Separate the Eating Disorder from Your Child’s IdentityThe eating disorder can feel all-consuming, but it’s crucial to see it as separate from who your child truly is. Avoid blame or criticism; instead, express empathy and understanding. This helps your child feel supported, not judged, which can build trust and open communication.
3. Create a United Family Front
   FBT emphasizes the power of the family working together. Collaborate with all caregivers and family members to provide consistent support and messaging. Avoid arguments about food or weight in front of the young person, and maintain a calm, confident approach to managing meals and recovery.
4. Focus on Building a Positive Mealtime Environment
   Creating calm, supportive, and structured mealtimes can help reduce anxiety around eating. Encourage regular family meals where distractions like phones or screens are minimized. Use this time to connect without focusing solely on food, fostering a sense of safety and normalcy that supports your child’s recovery.
5. Seek Professional Support and Education
   Disordered eating is complex and challenging to manage alone. Accessing support through one to one sessions or through workshops like Boomerang Health’s Underweight & Restrictive Eating Caregiver Workshop, guided by trained clinicians using FBT principles, can provide you with the tools, knowledge, and community support you need. Professional guidance ensures you are empowered to help your child safely and effectively.

If you are caring for a young person struggling with being underweight or disordered eating, you don’t have to do it alone. Our upcoming Underweight & Restrictive Eating Caregiver Workshop offers evidence-based strategies rooted in Family-Based Therapy to help you navigate this difficult journey with confidence and hope.

For more information and to register, please contact us at groups@boomeranghealth.com or visit our workshop page at https://www.boomeranghealth.com/groups-workshops/eating-disorder-caregiver-workshop/

Together, we can support young people toward a healthier, happier future.