Hilaria Baldwin and the Impact of Dieting Young on Kids

Hilaria Baldwin revealed during a July 28 interview on SiriusXM’s Page Six Radio that she started dieting at just 5 years old, a personal disclosure that highlights how early disordered eating patterns can begin. According to the mom of seven, now 42, her decades-long struggle spanned multiple extremes, including anorexia, bulimia, overeating, and undereating. Baldwin shared that at one point during her struggles, she was even afraid of how many calories might be in toothpaste.

The Early Onset of Childhood Eating Disorders

Eating disorders frequently manifest much earlier in life than many people realize. According to data provided by the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders and Severe Malnutrition, approximately 14 million people worldwide experience an eating disorder every year, and 3 million of those affected are children and adolescents. Research cited by the center also indicates that 20% of children show signs of disordered eating. While not every child exhibiting disordered eating ultimately develops a full clinical eating disorder, the center notes that these early behaviors can predict the development of an eating disorder and outcomes in early adulthood.

Cultural Shifts and Rising Social Pressures

Public awareness around body image has shifted dramatically over the years. Sam DeCaro, director of clinical outreach and education at The Renfrew Center—which specializes in eating disorder treatment—previously told USA TODAY that despite positive strides like the 2010 wave of size inclusivity and the growth of body positivity and body neutrality movements, experts remain concerned about a larger cultural swing back toward the thin ideal. Public figures have also begun speaking out more openly about these pressures. Jameela Jamil called out the rise of ‘scarily thin’ celebs, adding urgency to ongoing conversations about body image.

How Parents Can Talk to Kids About Food and Body Image

Before having children, Baldwin made it a priority to heal herself. Recognizing that modern diet culture messaging is pervasive, she noted that no matter how much a parent tries to bubble wrap their kids, toxic messaging eventually gets through. To counter this, Baldwin focuses her household conversations around food on strength and how food makes the body feel rather than on physical appearance.

Medical experts strongly support this communication strategy. Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar, regional medical director at the Eating Recovery Center, previously told USA TODAY that it is best to avoid making comments about someone’s appearance, whether those remarks are positive or negative. According to Wassenaar, commenting on whether a body is acceptable or unacceptable reinforces the harmful idea that a person’s worth is tied to their physical presentation and that they must look a certain way for the world to accept them. Wassenaar emphasizes that these superficial, body-focused ideas are painful and harmful because individuals are much more than the physical vessels that carry them.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can eating disorders start?

Eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors can begin in early childhood. According to the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders and Severe Malnutrition, approximately 3 million children and adolescents worldwide experience eating disorders, and 20% of children display signs of disordered eating.

What are the primary risk factors for childhood eating disorders?

The ACUTE Center notes that multiple risk factors increase a child’s vulnerability, including social pressures.

How should parents talk to children about food?

Experts recommend focusing conversations on personal strength and how food makes the body feel, while avoiding comments on appearance—positive or negative—to prevent reinforcing superficial body standards.

Where can someone seek help for eating concerns?

The National Eating Disorders Association offers a toll-free, confidential helpline by phone or text at 1-800-931-2237, and via click-to-chat at nationaleatingdisorders.org/helpline. For 24/7 crisis support, individuals can text “NEDA” to 741-741.