What observation would be the best indication of a potential eating disorder in a 13-year-old?

The indication of a potential eating disorder in a 13-year-old that stands out is the reported fear of gaining weight. This fear often reflects underlying issues such as body image disturbances or anxiety about one's appearance, which are common in various eating disorders. Individuals experiencing such fears may engage in disordered eating patterns in an attempt to control their weight and body shape.

In adolescence, fear of weight gain can prompt behaviors that are not conducive to a healthy relationship with food and can lead to conditions like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Recognizing this fear is crucial because it often serves as a precursor to more significant eating-related issues.

Other observations, such as a decrease in clothing size or a restricted diet, could indicate disordered eating behaviors but do not directly reflect the psychological components that are key indicators of an eating disorder. Eating with peers also typically suggests a more normal relationship with food as social eating is important during teenage development.