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How Social Media Impacts Eating Disorders in Teens

Social media has become an integral part of teenage life, offering connection, entertainment, and self-expression. However, it also has a darker side, particularly when it comes to mental health. One of the most concerning issues is the impact of social media on eating disorders.

At Adolescent Wellness Academy (AWA) in Miami, Florida, we understand the challenges parents face in navigating this issue. In this guide, we’ll explore how social media contributes to eating disorders, signs to watch for, and how AWA’s specialized treatment programs can help your teen thrive.

How Social Media Impacts Eating Disorders

The Impact of Social Media on Eating Disorders

Social media has revolutionized the way teens interact, share, and perceive the world. However, its influence isn’t always positive.

For many teenagers, social media plays a significant role in shaping their relationship with food, body image, and self-esteem. 

The impact of social media on eating disorders is a growing concern, as platforms often promote unrealistic standards, foster unhealthy comparisons, and even normalize harmful behaviors. Below, we break down the key ways social media contributes to the development of eating disorders in teens.

1. Unrealistic Beauty Standards

Social media is filled with images of idealized body types, often edited or filtered to perfection. For troubled teens, this can create unrealistic expectations and lead to body dissatisfaction.

Constant exposure to these images can trigger disordered eating behaviors as teens strive to achieve an unattainable standard.

  • The Role of Filters and Editing: Many influencers and celebrities use filters and photo-editing tools to alter their appearance, creating a false reality that teens may aspire to.
  • The Impact on Body Image: Studies show that teens who spend more time on social media are more likely to report body dissatisfaction and engage in unhealthy dieting behaviors.

2. Comparison Culture

Teens often compare themselves to influencers, celebrities, and even their peers on social media. This constant comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and a distorted body image.

Over time, these feelings may contribute to the development of eating disorders.

  • The Pressure to Conform: Teens may feel pressured to conform to certain body types or eating habits to fit in with their peers.
  • The Link to Low Self-Esteem: Constant comparison can erode self-esteem, making teens more vulnerable to disordered eating behaviors.

3. Pro-Eating Disorder Content

Social media platforms can expose teens to harmful content that glorifies unhealthy behaviors. Hashtags like #thinspiration or #fitspiration promote extreme dieting and exercise, while algorithms can push triggering content into teens’ feeds.

This content can normalize disordered eating and make it harder for teens to seek help.

  • The Role of Algorithms: Social media algorithms are designed to keep users engaged, often by showing them content that aligns with their interests. For teens struggling with body image, this can mean a steady stream of triggering content.
  • The Normalization of Disordered Eating: Pro-eating disorder content can make unhealthy behaviors seem normal or even desirable, making it harder for teens to recognize the dangers.

4. Social Validation and Likes

For many teens, social media is a source of validation. Likes, comments, and followers can become tied to self-worth, leading to obsessive behaviors around food, exercise, and appearance.

This need for approval can exacerbate existing mental health challenges and contribute to eating disorders.

  • The Quest for Perfection: Teens may feel pressured to present a perfect image online, leading to unhealthy behaviors like restrictive eating or excessive exercise.
  • The Impact on Mental Health: The constant need for validation can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, further increasing the risk of eating disorders.
risk of eating disorders

Signs Your Teen May Be Struggling

Recognizing the signs of an eating disorder early is crucial for effective treatment. Here are some common signs to watch for:

  • Behavioral Signs:
    • Obsession with dieting, calories, or weight.
    • Avoidance of meals or eating in secret.
    • Excessive exercise or rigid routines around food.
  • Emotional Signs:
    • Increased anxiety around food or body image.
    • Mood swings, irritability, or withdrawal from social activities.
    • Expressions of guilt or shame about eating.
  • Physical Signs:
    • Rapid weight loss or fluctuations.
    • Fatigue, dizziness, or fainting.
    • Irregular menstrual cycles (in girls).

If you notice these signs in your teen, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible.

How Parents Can Help

As a parent, you play a crucial role in supporting your teen’s mental and physical health. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Open Communication:
    • Talk to your teen about their social media use and how it affects them. Let them know you’re there to support them.
  2. Promote a Healthy Body Image:
    • Encourage self-acceptance and focus on health rather than appearance. Avoid making comments about weight or dieting.
  3. Set a Positive Example:
    • Model healthy eating habits and a balanced approach to exercise.
  4. Monitor Social Media Use:
    • Set boundaries around screen time and encourage breaks from social media.
  5. Seek Professional Help:
helping teens overcome eating disorders

How Adolescent Wellness Academy Can Help

At AWA, we specialize in helping teens overcome eating disorders and build a healthy relationship with food and their bodies.

Our evidence-based treatment programs address the root causes of eating disorders, empowering troubled teens to heal and thrive.

Our Programs for Troubled Teens Include:

  • Therapeutic Day Program: A comprehensive full-day program combining therapy, nutritional counseling, and family involvement.
  • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): An afterschool program offering 3 hours of therapy, 3-5 days per week.

Why Choose AWA?

  • Experienced therapists who understand the unique challenges of troubled teens.
  • A safe, nurturing environment for healing and growth.
  • Convenient locations in Miami and Broward, Florida, make it easy for families to access care.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

If you’re concerned about your teen’s eating habits, you’re not alone. Adolescent Wellness Academy is here to help. Our compassionate team is dedicated to supporting teens and their families through every step of the recovery journey.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about our teen therapy programs. Together, we can help your teen thrive in a balanced and healthy life.

About the Author

Picture of Kimberly Carlesi

Kimberly Carlesi

Therapist

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing environment for her client’s healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic modalities like cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behavior therapy. With a focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.
Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing environment for her client’s healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic modalities like cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behavior therapy. With a focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.
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Ornella Barille - Therapist (Davie)

Ornella is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and has extensive experience working with diverse populations, including children, families, and young adults. Ornella has worked in both K-12 schools and at the college level, where she has developed a strong commitment to helping adolescents thrive by supporting their personal and academic growth and empowering them to reach their full potential.

Her therapeutic approach centers on creating a safe and welcoming environment where clients can feel comfortable exploring their needs and expressing themselves authentically. Ornella utilizes a blend of mindfulness, existential therapy, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to empower clients in navigating life’s challenges.

Ornella’s compassionate approach fosters self-awareness and encourages clients to build effective coping strategies to achieve their therapeutic goals.

Jamie Namer - Therapist (Davie)

Jamie specializes in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) guiding individuals and families toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. With a focus on positivity, self-growth, and holistic healing, Jamie integrates spiritual perspectives and deep empathy into the therapeutic process. Using solution-based methods and emotionally focused therapy, Jamie helps clients navigate past trauma, enhance self-discovery, and strengthen relationships.

Jamie’s approach combines therapeutic techniques with mind-body healing practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and visualization. Experienced in working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups, Jamie specializes in addressing issues like anxiety, grief, self-confidence, burnout, family dynamics, depression, PTSD, and life transitions. The goal is to promote overall well-being and support clients in living a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia – Clinical Director (Davie)

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience-building, and collaboration. As the Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to supporting high-risk teens in navigating trauma, emotional distress, and life’s challenges with a holistic and trauma-informed lens. Dr. Mejia specializes in working with adolescents facing issues such as suicide risk, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and family conflict, utilizing techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. With extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and clinical supervision, Dr. Mejia has a proven track record of empowering teens to overcome obstacles and thrive. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy bringing a depth of knowledge and compassion to her leadership role.

Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.