This episode of Behind the Bite explores the crucial topic of preventing disordered eating in children, both at school and at home. Dr. Cristina Castagnini welcomes Anna Lutz, a pediatric eating disorder dietitian, to discuss how families and educators can shift the conversation around food, bodies, and health to foster a healthier environment for kids. Anna Lutz is a Registered Dietitian specializing in eating disorder and pediatric care. She is the co-creator of Sunny Side Up Nutrition and co-owner of a private practice in Raleigh, NC. She is passionate about helping families foster positive relationships with food and bodies.      

Key Topics Discussed

  Understanding Prevention:  
  • Prevention is not often discussed enough; most clinical work is post-onset.
  • Eating disorders have multiple risk factors—dieting, food insecurity, genetics, trauma, perfectionism.
  • Dieting is a modifiable risk factor; exposure to dieting messages increases risk, especially in teens.
  • Social media and pandemic-related factors have contributed to rising rates and younger onset of eating disorders.
  Role of Schools and Nutrition Education:  
  • Nutrition education often starts early, sometimes with problematic messages (e.g., “smaller bodies are better,” “good” vs. “bad” foods).
  • Such messages can be developmentally inappropriate and foster black-and-white thinking in young children.

Strategies for Supporting Body Image

Shift the Focus Away from Body Size
  • Avoid emphasizing the importance of having a "smaller body" or striving for weight loss, especially with children.
  • Normalize body changes as a natural part of growth and development, rather than something to be judged or controlled.
Use Non-Judgmental Language About Food
  • Refrain from labeling foods as "good" or "bad." Instead, present all foods as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
  • Teach children that bodies need a variety of foods and that no single food determines health or worth.
Model Positive Behaviors
  • Demonstrate a healthy relationship with food by offering a range of foods at home, including treats, without making them forbidden or special.
  • Show acceptance of your own body and avoid negative self-talk about appearance or weight in front of children.
Provide Developmentally Appropriate Education
  • For younger children (concrete thinkers), focus on where food comes from, tasting, and experiencing different foods rather than abstract health concepts.
  • For older children and teens (abstract thinkers), introduce more nuanced discussions about nutrition and health.
Address Social and Environmental Influences
  • Recognize the impact of social media and societal messages on body image, and discuss these influences openly with children and teens.
  • Advocate for school environments that avoid restrictive or stigmatizing food policies and instead promote balanced, inclusive celebrations and nutrition education.

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Behind the Bite
  • 00:56 Today's Topic: Preventing Disordered Eating in Kids
  • 01:09 Guest Introduction: Anna Lutz, Pediatric Dietician
  • 01:33 Outdated Nutrition Education in Schools
  • 01:50 Parental Support at Home
  • 02:29 Anna Lutz's Background and Work
  • 04:16 Risk Factors for Eating Disorders
  • 06:18 Impact of Social Media and Pandemic
  • 07:52 Nutrition Education for Different Age Groups
  • 12:03 Challenges in School Nutrition Policies
  • 14:23 Balancing Food Restrictions and Healthy Relationships with Food
  • 18:34 Rewriting the Curriculum in North Carolina
  • 28:51 Encouraging Intuitive Eating in Schools
  • 36:52 Final Thoughts and Resources

CONNECT WITH ANNA:

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Thank you for tuning in to Behind the Bite! If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others who might benefit. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review.  Until next time, remember, we're here to break down barriers, challenge stigma, and support each other on the path to a better life. Part of the Los Angeles Tribune Podcast Network, produced by the Tweaky Tales. **Disclaimer:** The content of this podcast episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or affiliated organizations. If you have any medical or mental health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Listener discretion is advised, especially for those sensitive to topics related to body image, weight stigma, and eating disorders.