How Parents Can Help Prevent Eating Disorders in Children and Teens
Allison Zeen Allison Zeen

How Parents Can Help Prevent Eating Disorders in Children and Teens

Parents play a powerful role in preventing eating disorders by fostering a home environment built on body respect, emotional openness, and a balanced approach to food. By modeling a healthy relationship with your own body, encouraging open conversations about feelings, and helping your child navigate harmful media messages, you can reduce risk and support their long-term well-being. Prevention isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a safe, supportive space where your child feels seen, heard, and valued just as they are.

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How Weight Stigma Contributes to Eating Disorders
Allison Zeen Allison Zeen

How Weight Stigma Contributes to Eating Disorders

Weight stigma—the judgment people face because of their body size—is a major but often overlooked cause of eating disorders. It can lead to body shame, harmful behaviors, and even stop people from getting the help they need. Eating disorders don’t have a “look,” and everyone deserves compassionate, weight-inclusive care that focuses on healing—not appearance.

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The Harmful Link Between Eating Disorders and Societal Praise
Allison Zeen Allison Zeen

The Harmful Link Between Eating Disorders and Societal Praise

Societal praise for weight loss and self-discipline can reinforce disordered eating and delay recovery. This article explores how cultural norms glorify harmful behaviors, making it harder for individuals to recognize their struggles and seek help, and calls for a shift toward more supportive, recovery-focused messaging.

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Eating Disorders That Have Nothing to Do with Weight or Body Image
Allison Zeen Allison Zeen

Eating Disorders That Have Nothing to Do with Weight or Body Image

Eating disorders aren’t always rooted in weight or body image concerns. This article explores lesser-known forms of disordered eating—like ARFID, orthorexia, and trauma-related patterns—and highlights the importance of recognizing and validating these experiences to ensure inclusive, effective care.

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Understanding Body Neutrality and Body Positivity: Two Paths to Self-Acceptance
Allison Zeen Allison Zeen

Understanding Body Neutrality and Body Positivity: Two Paths to Self-Acceptance

Body neutrality and body positivity both promote self-acceptance, but in different ways. Body positivity encourages love for all bodies, while body neutrality focuses on respecting what your body does rather than how it looks. Each approach offers a path toward healing your relationship with your body—what matters most is finding what feels right for you.

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The Link Between Perfectionism and Eating Disorders
Allison Zeen Allison Zeen

The Link Between Perfectionism and Eating Disorders

Perfectionism often hides behind food rules, rigid routines, and the relentless pursuit of control. While it’s sometimes praised as a strength, perfectionism can quietly fuel eating disorders by reinforcing shame, self-criticism, and unrealistic expectations. In this article, we explore how perfectionism and eating disorders are connected—and why healing means learning to embrace imperfection.

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