Parents may not know: Baltimore expert warns AI chatbots can encourage disordered eating
Updated: 2:54 PM EDT Jul 17, 2026
Psychologists are warning parents about a new trend of kids using artificial intelligence chatbots as a “secret eating disorder coach.”Not only do the chatbots give tips on weight loss, but they may also encourage disordered eating.Dr. Kaitlin Slaven, an expert with the Eating Recovery Center in Baltimore, told WBAL-TV 11 News that parents may have no idea it’s going on.”These chatbots are equipped with tools to be able to sort of gather information and learn. And so, as somebody is inputting information about ‘I’m trying to lose weight,’ and the chatbot is saying, ‘Good job, you’re losing weight.’ And so, they start to adapt to what is happening and they start to almost encourage the behavior,” Slaven explained.Slaven advises parents to pay attention to clues.”The typical things that we look for are more fixation on food, starting to have more restrictive diets, not wanting to eat with the family. Sometimes, we start to see more compulsive exercise or more secrecy around what they’re doing,” Slaven told WBAL-TV 11 News. “If you’re noticing these behaviors, also pay attention to how much time your child is spending on their phone.”Slaven said it’s important for parents to talk to children in a non-accusatory and supportive way.
HUNT VALLEY, Md. —
Psychologists are warning parents about a new trend of kids using artificial intelligence chatbots as a “secret eating disorder coach.”
Not only do the chatbots give tips on weight loss, but they may also encourage disordered eating.
Dr. Kaitlin Slaven, an expert with the Eating Recovery Center in Baltimore, told WBAL-TV 11 News that parents may have no idea it’s going on.
“These chatbots are equipped with tools to be able to sort of gather information and learn. And so, as somebody is inputting information about ‘I’m trying to lose weight,’ and the chatbot is saying, ‘Good job, you’re losing weight.’ And so, they start to adapt to what is happening and they start to almost encourage the behavior,” Slaven explained.
Slaven advises parents to pay attention to clues.
“The typical things that we look for are more fixation on food, starting to have more restrictive diets, not wanting to eat with the family. Sometimes, we start to see more compulsive exercise or more secrecy around what they’re doing,” Slaven told WBAL-TV 11 News. “If you’re noticing these behaviors, also pay attention to how much time your child is spending on their phone.”
Slaven said it’s important for parents to talk to children in a non-accusatory and supportive way.