If a family observes obsessive behavior regarding calories and physical exercise in their teenage sons and daughters, it's important to reflect beforehand: Could they have a problem with social acceptance? Do they feel loved? Do they feel valued?

Once we've established this, it's essential to have a conversation, focusing primarily on their emotional state: how they feel, if they have any worries, what plans they have, what their hopes and dreams are, etc. We should speak to them honestly and respectfully about our concerns and the need to seek professional help.