{"id":36096,"date":"2025-11-13T05:15:07","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T05:15:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/?p=36096"},"modified":"2025-11-13T06:20:46","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T06:20:46","slug":"parents-alarmed-as-children-as-young-as-8-develop-eating-disorders-and-refuse-food-in-the-uae","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/2025\/11\/13\/parents-alarmed-as-children-as-young-as-8-develop-eating-disorders-and-refuse-food-in-the-uae\/","title":{"rendered":"Parents alarmed as children as young as 8 develop eating disorders and refuse food in the UAE."},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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At first, Filipino expatriate Myrna Gomez was puzzled by her 10-year-old daughter\u2019s sudden shift in eating habits. \u201cShe barely eats now, even when I prepare her favourite dishes. Most of the time, she comes home from school with her lunch untouched,\u201d Gomez shared.<\/p>

Looking back, Myrna now believes the change may have been sparked by what she once thought were harmless, playful remarks from herself and other family members. Filled with regret over those comments, the 40-year-old Dubai resident is now focused on helping her daughter heal. She said they have already sought professional advice from a dietitian to support her recovery.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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A.K., a Jordanian mother, is going through a similar challenge with her 11-year-old son, who has recently developed strict eating habits. \u201cHe limits himself to no more than 1,000 calories a day,\u201d she explained, mentioning that he even purchased a food scale to measure the calorie content of everything he eats.<\/p>

\u201cWe don\u2019t really know what triggered it,\u201d she continued. \u201cBut one day last summer, after coming back from a camp, he suddenly announced that he wanted to start eating healthier.\u201d Initially, his parents felt proud of his decision, thinking it was a positive lifestyle choice. However, their concern has grown over time. \u201cHe\u2019s become so rigid with his eating that it affects his mood,\u201d A.K. said. \u201cHe checks the mirror almost every day, worried about whether his stomach looks smaller. But he\u2019s still a child \u2014 he shouldn\u2019t feel pressured to have abs or a flat stomach at his age.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Her young son, however, doesn\u2019t see things the same way. \u201cHe refuses to eat the lunches I prepare for him \u2014 usually mansaf or falafel,\u201d said the 36-year-old manager. \u201cHe used to have a healthy appetite, but now his meals consist only of fruit, yogurt, and three boiled eggs a day. Even on our family\u2019s baking Sundays \u2014 our little tradition for bonding and enjoying sweets together \u2014 he no longer takes part,\u201d added the Abu Dhabi resident.<\/p>

Meanwhile, Filipino expat Carla Suarez discovered her 12-year-old daughter\u2019s eating problem only after a teacher noticed her secretly throwing away food at school. \u201cAfter two days of seeing that she wasn\u2019t eating, the teacher contacted me. When I asked my daughter about it, she didn\u2019t want to open up,\u201d said the Dubai-based mother.<\/p>

Carla explained that her daughter\u2019s diet has become extremely limited \u2014 just bananas, grapes, and steamed chicken \u2014 avoiding other foods because she believes they are \u201ctoo fatty.\u201d \u201cIt all began after Christmas and New Year, when she visited the Philippines. We joked that she had gained a little weight, and her friends teased her too. We thought it was harmless fun, but she clearly took it to heart,\u201d Carla shared.<\/p>

Over the following months, Carla noticed a drastic change. \u201cShe lost a significant amount of weight \u2014 her cheeks looked hollow, and her arms had become so thin. She didn\u2019t appear ill, but it was clear she was proud of fitting back into her old clothes. She seemed happy about losing weight, even though it worried us deeply,\u201d the concerned mother said.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Healthcare experts worldwide are raising concerns over a growing rise in eating disorders among children and teenagers. Research by the European Paediatric Association, published in the Journal of Paediatrics<\/em> in December 2023, revealed that such cases have been steadily increasing for the past two decades. Between 1999 and 2022, global data showed that around 22.36% of young people now display unhealthy eating patterns or disordered behaviours.<\/p>

In the United Kingdom, the London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image reported a 128% surge in hospital admissions among boys and young men between 2015\u20132016 and 2020\u20132021. Additionally, hospitalisations for children and adolescents with eating disorders jumped by 35% in 2022 alone. In the United States, medical visits related to eating disorders in individuals under 17 more than doubled between 2018 and 2022.<\/p>

According to Dr. Salman Kareem, a psychiatry specialist at Aster Clinic in Dubai, this concerning trend is also evident locally. \u201cWe\u2019re seeing cases in children as young as 8 or 9, though the most affected group remains those aged 12 to 17,\u201d he said. \u201cEarly teens, particularly between 11 and 14, are especially at risk. Often, these younger children start out as picky eaters or begin rejecting foods they once enjoyed. Parents may assume it\u2019s just a passing phase \u2014 until it becomes much more serious.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Healthcare experts worldwide are raising concerns over a growing rise in eating disorders among children and teenagers. Research by the European Paediatric Association, published in the Journal of Paediatrics<\/em> in December 2023, revealed that such cases have been steadily increasing for the past two decades. Between 1999 and 2022, global data showed that around 22.36% of young people now display unhealthy eating patterns or disordered behaviours.<\/p>

In the United Kingdom, the London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image reported a 128% surge in hospital admissions among boys and young men between 2015\u20132016 and 2020\u20132021. Additionally, hospitalisations for children and adolescents with eating disorders jumped by 35% in 2022 alone. In the United States, medical visits related to eating disorders in individuals under 17 more than doubled between 2018 and 2022.<\/p>

According to Dr. Salman Kareem, a psychiatry specialist at Aster Clinic in Dubai, this concerning trend is also evident locally. \u201cWe\u2019re seeing cases in children as young as 8 or 9, though the most affected group remains those aged 12 to 17,\u201d he said. \u201cEarly teens, particularly between 11 and 14, are especially at risk. Often, these younger children start out as picky eaters or begin rejecting foods they once enjoyed. Parents may assume it\u2019s just a passing phase \u2014 until it becomes much more serious.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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He also noted a noticeable change in gender trends, explaining, \u201cAlthough eating disorders have historically been more common among girls, we\u2019re now witnessing a significant increase in cases among boys as well.\u201d<\/p>

Dr. Salman further drew attention to the growing number of children diagnosed with Avoidant\/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), particularly among younger age groups. \u201cUnlike anorexia, ARFID isn\u2019t driven by a desire to lose weight or be thin,\u201d he explained. \u201cChildren with this condition tend to avoid certain foods due to their texture, smell, taste, or even fear of choking. Many end up eating only a limited range of foods \u2014 sometimes as few as five to ten items \u2014 which can cause severe weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. Meanwhile, anorexia and bulimia continue to be widespread among teenagers,\u201d he added.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Experts believe that several factors contribute to the growing number of eating disorder cases. Dr. Salman explained that social media exposure, stress from the pandemic years, and heightened body image expectations have all played a role in this increase.<\/p>

Dubai-based nutritional therapist Adele Repas agreed, emphasising the strong influence of online platforms. \u201cSocial media exerts enormous pressure on young minds,\u201d she said. \u201cWith filters, editing tools, and carefully posed photos, teenagers are constantly shown unrealistic ideals of beauty. Makeup and digital enhancements can completely alter appearances \u2014 but many children can\u2019t tell the difference, leading them to compare themselves unfairly.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Experts believe that several factors contribute to the growing number of eating disorder cases. Dr. Salman explained that social media exposure, stress from the pandemic years, and heightened body image expectations have all played a role in this increase.<\/p>

Dubai-based nutritional therapist Adele Repas agreed, emphasising the strong influence of online platforms. \u201cSocial media exerts enormous pressure on young minds,\u201d she said. \u201cWith filters, editing tools, and carefully posed photos, teenagers are constantly shown unrealistic ideals of beauty. Makeup and digital enhancements can completely alter appearances \u2014 but many children can\u2019t tell the difference, leading them to compare themselves unfairly.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Adele also highlighted the emotional and psychological roots behind eating disorders. \u201cSome children feel that too many aspects of their lives are being controlled, often by caring but overly protective parents,\u201d she explained. \u201cFor them, managing what they eat can become a way to assert independence. It\u2019s important to remember that eating disorders are deeply complex mental health conditions, not just about food.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Dr. Salman underscored the need for a collaborative approach in treating eating disorders, stressing that nutritionists, pediatricians, and mental health professionals must work together to tackle the condition\u2019s physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions.<\/p>

Adele, on the other hand, highlighted that seeking expert intervention is the most crucial step. \u201cIn more serious cases, I always suggest combining psychological therapy with nutritional guidance,\u201d she explained. \u201cThis helps children rebuild a positive relationship with food through mindful eating, rather than focusing on dieting or weight loss.\u201d<\/p>

She added that children often open up more easily to professionals than to their parents. \u201cMany kids hide their struggles or even deny them. That\u2019s why it\u2019s vital for parents to maintain trust \u2014 keep communication honest, stay supportive, and be the example your child looks up to,\u201d Repas said.<\/p>

Similarly, Joanne Proctor, a holistic nutritionist based in Dubai, reminded parents to be conscious of what they say around their kids. \u201cPre-teens and teenagers absorb everything \u2014 they\u2019re incredibly impressionable,\u201d she said. \u201cEven casual jokes about body size or looks can seriously affect their confidence. When parents speak negatively about their own appearance, children pick up on it and learn to do the same. It sends the wrong message about self-worth.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\u201cIf parents frequently make comments like \u2018I\u2019m overweight\u2019 or \u2018I look terrible,\u2019 children begin to adopt that same critical perspective,\u201d she explained. \u201cEven minor flaws can feel exaggerated, feeding their insecurities,\u201d she added.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Dr. Salman highlighted that managing eating disorders in teenagers can be particularly challenging, especially when coexisting mental health issues like anxiety or depression are present.<\/p>

He explained that the difficulty lies in addressing both the physical health risks and the psychological obstacles that hinder recovery. Nonetheless, he emphasized that effective treatment is achievable through a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach.<\/p>

\u201cFamily-Based Treatment (FBT) has shown strong results with adolescents,\u201d he said, \u201cbecause it allows parents to temporarily oversee their child\u2019s eating while guiding them toward a healthier relationship with food.\u201d<\/p>

He also noted the benefits of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) specifically adapted for eating disorders. \u201cCBT helps young patients recognize and change harmful thought patterns, such as believing that eating a single cookie means they have lost all self-control,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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In the UAE, growing numbers of parents are expressing deep concern as children, some only eight years old, begin showing signs of eating disorders, refusing meals and developing unhealthy attitudes toward food.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":36097,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"post_template":[],"top_category":[],"class_list":["post-36096","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","pmpro-has-access"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36096","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36096"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36096\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36108,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36096\/revisions\/36108"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36097"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36096"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36096"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36096"},{"taxonomy":"post_template","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_template?post=36096"},{"taxonomy":"top_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/top_category?post=36096"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}