Finding the best eating disorders books for parents is high on the list of things to do when you find out your child is battling an eating disorder. I remember the overwhelming feeling like it was yesterday of “what do I do now?” Even though I was a nutrition professional, I was completely paralyzed with the realization that I was entering waters that I was so unprepared to navigate. I have always believed that knowledge is power so becoming educated and informed was all I felt I had control of at the beginning of this journey.
One thing I learned very quickly is that there is a lot of information about eating disorders out there but finding GOOD information is vital. The eating disorder field is NOT regulated and nor is the advice. Yet, the advice is vital to a positive prognosis in your loved one. I have taken my first hand experience as a mom of a teen battling an eating disorder and my professional knowledge as a Certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach, and created an invaluable resource of the best eating disorder books for parents.
Disclosure: The next sections contains Amazon affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.
1. When Your Teen Has an Eating Disorder: Practical Strategies to Help Your Teen Recover from Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating
I had to put this book first because it was the first book I read when I began this difficult and confusing journey to help my daughter on her road to battling her eating disorder. I was looking for a lifeboat and I felt that Lauren Muhlheim, PsyD, tossed me the rope. I was introduced to the concept of FBT (family based treatment) and it was the first bit of clarity I had the first few hazy weeks into her diagnosis. The book was easy to read and just “made sense.” It is still the first book that I recommend to any parent that is beginning this journey OR feels lost.
Lauren Muhlheim’s book walks readers through the terrifying terrain of helping a teen recover from an eating disorder. She offers evidence-based information and practical advice in a reassuring, matter-of-fact tone, which is exactly what parents need when they’re in the thick of a child’s illness.
Harriet Brown, author of “Brave Girl Eating” and “body of Truth”
2.Help Your Teenager Beat an Eating Disorder
I am a huge fan of this book and the information was SO helpful during the early days in our journey. “Top experts James Lock and Daniel Le Grange explain what you need to know about eating disorders, which treatments work, and why it is absolutely essential to play an active role in your teen’s recovery–even though parents have often been told to take a back seat.” (from Amazon reviews) This book was more of a guidebook and I feel it is important to have a book that is more factual about eating disorders in your library. I like scientifically – based information and evidence – based data – you get both of those things in this book.
From two renowned clinician-researchers, this book offers plenty of useful information. Throughout, vignettes offer clear-cut advice on how to respond to the many issues parents encounter before, during, and after treatment. This book is suitable for anyone who wants to learn more about the impact of eating disorders on families, and how to help.
W. Stewart Agras, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Emeritus), Stanford University
3. Anorexia and other Eating Disorders: how to help your child eat well and be well: Practical solutions, compassionate communication tools and emotional support for parents of children and teenagers
I LOVE this book! There are so many amazing things I can say about this book but one thing that makes it stand out is it is written by a mom who has been through the horrific journey with her own daughter battling Anorexia Nervosa. Eating disorders are a bit different than other illnesses in that learning from parents who have been “there” is invaluable. Eva Mubsy couples her own experience with her daughters illness and her expert knowledge of of the illness and evidence- based treatment. It is literally a “how to” guide on FBT – family based treatment – which is known as the gold standard for Eating Disorder treatment in adolescents. Eva is both compassionate yet firm in the ways she articulates “what to do.” Throughout my own journey, I found myself using her advice time and time again. Every parent with a child battling an ED should own this book.
I keep 2 copies of this book in my office at all times so I can lend it out and/or highlight certain sections. It is one of the most practical, well written ‘how to do this terrible job’ books I have seen yet. Parents and care givers will love all the great tips and all the ways they learn to cope. Clinicians will also learn a lot about how anorexia ‘acts’ which is crucial to being a well informed and effective clinician.”
Therese Waterhous, RDN, serving as expert to FEAST-ED and the Academy for Eating Disorders
4. Sick Enough
Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani is a board-certified internal medicine physician, known nationally and internationally for her work on the medical complications of eating disorders and the author of, “Sick Enough.” I was first introduced to Dr. Gaudiani’s work through hearing her speak on multiple podcasts (here’s a great one! from RD Real Talk) and in my experience she was the first medical doctor that I heard speak with such compassion AND authority in the eating disorder space. It gave me hope. When I finally got my hands on “Sick Enough”, I could not wait to dive in and it did not disappoint. Every single parent, medical practitioner AND sufferer should have this book on their book shelf. It not only goes through all the medical complications of eating disorders in layman’s terms, but most importantly gives so much needed validation that everyone is ‘sick enough’ to receive the care they deserve.
Jennifer Gaudiani is the authority on the medical complications of eating disorders. Not only is Sick Enough beautifully written in a compelling and thought-provoking way, but it also explains every symptom that someone with an eating disorder is experiencing, with all of the scientific information to back it up. I believe that this revolutionary book is not only an asset but an imperative for all health professionals.
Elyse Resch Author of “intuitive Eating”
5. 8 Keys To Recovery From An Eating Disorder
I would be remiss to not include Carolyn Costin’s revolutionary book to the list of the Best Eating Disorders books. I was introduced to this gem of a book while I was in my training, under Carolyn, to become a Certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach. Carolyn and her co-author, Gwen Schubert Grabb, who is a former patient of Carolyn’s and a psychotherapist, take its readers “through the ins and outs of the recovery process, describing what therapy entails, clarifying the common associated emotions such as fear, guilt, and shame, and, most of all, providing motivation to seek help if ‘you’ have been discouraged, resistant, or afraid” (derived from the back of the book description). I often recommend this book to family members or loved ones so they can better understand what it feels like to their loved one to have an eating disorder. Explaining that while it is “the food”, it is SO much more than the food. Eating disorders are so complex and 8 Keys does a fabulous job of breaking things down and giving actual practical exercises that can be utilized. I find myself going back to this book time and time again with not only my work with my clients but with my daughter’s recovery. There is also a workbook that accompanies the book that I find to be a very useful addition to the work.
6. The Inside Scoop On Eating Disorder Recovery – Advice from Two Therapists Who Have Been There
This is probably the newest book I am adding to the Best Eating Disorder Books for parents, but I feel it holds an important space on the bookshelf. I was introduced to its authors, Colleen Reichmann, PsyD and Jennifer Rollin, LCSW-C, on Instagram while following accounts of professionals that occupy the Eating Disorder space. Both of their accounts have added SO much value to both my daughter’s recovery and my own professional development and I was so excited when I heard they were launching a new book. And it did not disappoint.
A book like this has the potential to make a massive difference. It’s down-to-earth, speaks to the actual needs and interests of the target audience, is written by two highly-regarded leaders in the field, and may truly change and save lives. This is a vital book, and I will personally refer my patients to buy it
Jennifer Gaudiani, MD, founder and medical director of Gaudiani Clinic, Author of Sick Enough
7. Survive FBT: Skills Manual for Parents Undertaking Family Based Treatment (FBT) for Child and Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa
While my daughter was undergoing treatment for her eating disorder, I think I read every book I could get my hands on to help me in any way! We utilized FBT (family based treatment) as her modality during recovery. This book is very specified for this treatment modality but since this is a modality that the parents do the lions share of the work, resources are invaluable. It is a quick read and it couples well with the other books mentioned above.
This book is a valuable resource for parents commencing FBT and for parents struggling during treatment. It offers clear, practical advice and empowers parents to confront whatever the illness throws at them. It is also an important resource for clinicians and will help them guide their families through treatment.
Amazon site description of book
8. Brave Girl Eating: A Family’s Struggle with Anorexia
This book blew me away. It made me cry. It made me scared. And, it gave me hope. I felt seen. I felt understood. Having a child with an eating disorder is extremely lonely. Our job is keep our kids fed. It is a fundamental job as a parent. When your child refuses to eat, no matter what you do or say, it can make you feel like you are living in a twilight zone. Harriet Brown’s personal account of her journey through her daughter’s Anorexia diagnosis made me feel so much less alone and finally validated. Brown is a journalist so she perfectly weaves in scientific information about eating disorders but she is a mom first so her personal experience is different than most books on the subject. I hands down recommend this book to ALL parents on this terrifying journey.
One of the most up to date, relevant and honest accounts of one family’s battle with the life threatening challenges of anorexia. Brown has masterfully woven science, history and heart throughout this compelling and tender story. Brave Girl Eating was fortunate to have one brave family.
Lynn S. Grefe, Chief Executive Officer, National Eating Disorders Association
9. Life Without Ed: How One Woman Declared Independence from Her Eating Disorder and How You Can Too
Life Without Ed is an extremely popular Eating Disorder book. It is a personal account of one woman’s journey (Jenni Schaefer) with her “Ed”…. Ed is the nickname she gives her eating disorder. It is one of the first books that teaches it’s readers that you can not only separate oneself from your eating disorder but you can fight back to it. Jenni portrays with so much vulnerability, and at times, much needed humor, how difficult the journey truly is when you are battling an Eating Disorder. Reading this book as a parent, with a newly diagnosed teen, was disturbing yet SO enlightening. I felt it was important to include this book (and she has sequel to Life Without Ed) in this resource of the best eating disorder books for parents because it serves a purpose. I do feel it belongs in the hands of family so they can better understand what a cruel and vicious disease “ED” is.
Of all the great books written on eating disorders, none has had a wider reach than Life Without Ed. Those suffering have found connection and hope, family members have found understanding and empathy, professionals have learned from it and praised it. It will remain a classic for decades to come.
Michael E. Berrett, PhD, psychologist; CEO and cofounder of the Center for Change;
Additional Resources
Whether you are a parent or a professional working with those with Eating Disorders, I hope this resource adds value to your journey. My goals was to provide a comprehensive list of books that have aided our journey and educated me along the way. Feel free to comment below if you have any additional suggestions.
I have written a few other posts that may be helpful. Check them out.
Life Interrupted : Lessons Learned From Parenting a Teen With An Eating Disorder
5 Early Eating Disorder Warning Signs
Disclaimer: The No Weigh Way Site is for educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or medical care. Please see your physician if you have any medical concerns.
