Weight Regulation Among Young People: Practices, Risks, and Perceptions
You didn’t come this far to stop
Introduction: When the Quest for the "Perfect" Body Starts Too Early
Emma, 16, started taking "fat burner" dietary supplements ordered online after seeing an influencer promote them on TikTok. Thomas, 15, asked his doctor to prescribe Ozempic, convinced this medication would help him lose his "few extra pounds" before summer. Léa, 17, has been following a strict ketogenic diet found on YouTube for three months, without any medical supervision.
These aren't fictional stories. They reflect a deeply concerning reality: weight regulation has become an obsession among young people, fueled by social media, the wellness industry, and increasing social pressure. In France, according to recent data, over 80% of male adolescents take protein supplements and up to 50% consume creatine for muscle building, often without medical oversight. Among young women, weight control behaviors are equally concerning, with 23% of young adults following restrictive diets without medical indication.
The Expatriate Reality: Navigating Weight Concerns in a Foreign Healthcare System
If you're an international student, expat parent, or young person living abroad in France, this issue takes on additional layers of complexity. You might be:
Navigating cultural differences around food, body image, and eating norms
Struggling to find English-speaking healthcare when concerns arise
Feeling isolated without your usual support network
Facing language barriers when trying to understand product labels, medical information, or seek help
Dealing with stress from adaptation, which can trigger disordered eating behaviors
Encountering different beauty standards between your home country and France
This article aims to provide you with clear, science-based information to help you (or your teenager) navigate the complex world of weight regulation products, diets, and medications. Our approach is non-judgmental and compassionate. We understand that behind every attempt at "weight control," there's often suffering, a quest for acceptance, and sometimes a lack of awareness of the risks involved.
Important: Throughout this article, we'll provide French healthcare context where needed, as well as practical information for English speakers seeking help in Paris and France.
Section 1: The Current Landscape - Between Aggressive Marketing and Adolescent Vulnerability
The Explosion of the "Wellness" Industry and Its Primary Targets
The global wellness market reached $7.2 trillion in 2025, surpassing the combined GDP of Germany and France. This exponential growth comes with a multiplication of contradictory, anxiety-inducing, and often deceptive messages, particularly targeting young people.
Adolescents and young adults have become prime targets for this industry for several reasons:
Their psychological vulnerability: Adolescence is a period of identity construction where physical appearance takes on disproportionate importance
Their massive social media presence: TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have become veritable showcases for "miracle" products
Their growing purchasing power: Young people today have more financial means than before
Their lack of risk awareness: Insufficient health education makes young people more susceptible to marketing promises
A Stanford University study (2024) shows that just 30 minutes of daily exposure to "food-shaming" content on social media significantly increases restrictive eating behaviors among adolescents. Algorithms amplify this phenomenon by creating "content bubbles" where young people are bombarded with messages about weight, thinness, and diets.
Understanding the French Context as an Expat
For those new to France, it's important to understand a few key aspects of the healthcare and regulatory system here:
The French Healthcare System (Système de Santé):
Universal healthcare coverage (Assurance Maladie)
Primary care physician (médecin traitant) as your main point of contact
Specialists require referral in most cases for reimbursement
Doctolib: The main platform for booking medical appointments online - it's essential to know this system
Dietary Supplements Regulation:
Less strictly regulated than medications
Can be sold without prescription
France has recently banned certain products (like Garcinia cambogia in April 2025)
The ANSES (French Food Safety Agency) monitors and issues warnings
Prescription Medications:
Strictly regulated by ANSM (French Drug Safety Agency)
RPPS numbers identify healthcare professionals
Weight loss medications have very restricted prescription conditions
Finding English-speaking specialists can be challenging but is possible
The Three Main Pathways of Weight Regulation Among Young People
1. Dietary Supplements: A Dangerous Illusion of Safety
The market is exploding: Since 2006, dietary supplement consumption has more than doubled in France. Among young people, this trend is even more pronounced, with products targeting weight loss, muscle building, or energy.
The illusion of harmlessness: Because they're sold without prescription and presented as "natural," dietary supplements are perceived as harmless. This perception is dangerously false. Unlike medications, no efficacy or toxicity testing is required to market a dietary supplement.
The supplements most consumed by young people include:
Protein powders and creatine (for muscle building): Used by over 80% of male adolescents
Fat burners (like Garcinia cambogia, now banned in France since April 2025)
Appetite suppressants
Energy supplements with caffeine (for studying or staying awake)
The real risks: The French National Agency for Food Safety (ANSES) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have documented numerous serious adverse effects:
Severe liver damage (particularly with Garcinia cambogia and red yeast rice)
Cardiac disorders (palpitations, arrhythmias)
Psychiatric effects (anxiety, mood disorders)
Significant digestive problems
Dangerous interactions with other medications
Misleading labeling: some products contain undeclared banned substances
Cultural note for expats: In some countries (like the US), dietary supplements are even less regulated. The French approach is more cautious, but risks still exist. Products you might have taken safely in your home country could have different formulations or be entirely different in France.
2. Restrictive Diets: When Control Becomes Prison
The Canadian Paediatric Society documents that weight dissatisfaction is extremely common among North American adolescents. Weight control behaviors have become commonplace, ranging from "healthy" to potentially dangerous.
The main risk factors for unhealthy weight control among young people are:
Weight and appearance dissatisfaction
Poor self-esteem
Actual or perceived obesity
Exposure to social media and "diet culture" content
Family or social pressures
The most popular diets among young people (often followed without medical supervision):
Ketogenic diet (no carbs)
Gluten-free diet (without medical indication)
Intermittent fasting
Carnivore diet
Detoxes and "cleanses"
Documented consequences in adolescents:
Growth retardation: In growing children and adolescents, even a marginal decrease in energy intake can result in growth deceleration
Menstrual disorders: Disordered eating is associated with menstrual irregularities, including secondary amenorrhea, even without substantial weight loss
Early osteopenia and osteoporosis: The long-term risk of osteopenia in young dieters is very concerning, even without amenorrhea
Psychological effects: Obsessive food preoccupation, irritability, fatigue, tendency to overeat, or even binge eating (which can lead to binge eating disorder)
Development of eating disorders: Restrictive diets in adolescence are one of the main risk factors for developing eating disorders
For international students and expats: The stress of adaptation, cultural differences in food availability, and homesickness can exacerbate dieting behaviors. You might be missing familiar foods, struggling with French cuisine norms, or using food restriction as a way to cope with stress.
3. Weight Loss Medications: A Dangerous Escalation
The Ozempic/Wegovy phenomenon: These GLP-1 agonists, initially developed for type 2 diabetes, are experiencing massive popularity for weight loss. According to recent studies, prescriptions of semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) among 12-17 year-olds jumped 50% in 2024 in the United States.
What you need to know about these medications:
Ozempic:
Indicated only for inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes
Can only be prescribed after failure of other hypoglycemic agents
Is NOT authorized for weight loss alone
Works by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar
Wegovy:
Same molecule (semaglutide) at higher doses
Indicated for obesity or overweight with comorbidities
Authorized from age 12 under very strict conditions
According to the French High Health Authority (HAS), it's a second-line treatment, only after failure of lifestyle changes and nutritional management
Initial prescription reserved for endocrinology-diabetology-nutrition specialists
Documented risks:
Frequent gastrointestinal effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
Serious risks: Pancreatitis, biliary disorders, intestinal obstruction, gastroparesis
Loss of muscle and bone mass: Particularly concerning in growing young people, potentially leading to early osteoporosis
Unknown long-term effects: Experience with use in adolescents remains very limited
Weight regain after stopping: Several clinical trials have shown significant weight regain after treatment discontinuation
Psychological dependency: Risk of developing dependence on the medication to maintain weight
Misuse: Despite restrictions, many young people (and adults) use these medications off-label, sometimes without medical prescription, creating shortages for diabetic patients who truly need them.
Important for English speakers in France: If you're considering these medications, you MUST work with a French-licensed specialist who speaks English. The prescribing restrictions in France are strict for good reason. Don't order these medications online or from outside France.
Section 2: Understanding the Mechanisms - Beyond Appearances
Why Are Young People Particularly Vulnerable?
Neurological development: The adolescent brain is still developing, particularly the areas involved in decision-making, risk assessment, and impulse control. This neurological immaturity makes them more sensitive to marketing messages and less capable of evaluating long-term consequences.
Identity construction: Adolescence is the period when personal identity is constructed. Physical appearance becomes a central element of this construction, making young people particularly sensitive to aesthetic norms conveyed by society and media.
Peer pressure: The need for belonging is extremely strong in adolescence. Conforming to the group's aesthetic norms is perceived as essential for social acceptance.
Social media: Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube create constant exposure to images of "perfect" bodies (often retouched), generating incessant comparisons and body dissatisfaction. 49% of users of "health" content on Instagram show signs of orthorexia.
Lack of health education: Young people receive little reliable information about nutrition, how the body works, and the real risks of the products they consume.
The Expatriate Factor: Additional Vulnerability Layers
For young expats and international students, several additional factors increase vulnerability to unhealthy weight regulation behaviors:
Cultural transition stress:
Adaptation to a new country is inherently stressful
Loss of familiar routines and support networks
Uncertainty about the future (studies, visa, career)
This stress can trigger or worsen disordered eating behaviors as a coping mechanism
Cultural differences in food and body norms:
French culture has specific food rituals (long meals, multiple courses, bread with every meal)
Different beauty standards than your home country
The "French paradox" (eating rich food but staying thin) can be confusing and create pressure
School cafeteria (cantine) food might be unfamiliar or unappetizing
Language barriers:
Difficulty understanding food labels, nutritional information
Challenges in expressing concerns to healthcare providers
Inability to fully understand medical advice or warnings
Social eating situations become more stressful when you can't communicate dietary needs
Healthcare navigation difficulties:
Not knowing how the French system works (Assurance Maladie, Mutuelle, médecin traitant)
Difficulty finding English-speaking mental health professionals
Fear of judgment or misunderstanding from French healthcare providers
Cost concerns if you don't have proper health insurance
Not knowing where to seek help or what resources exist
Social isolation:
Being away from family and close friends who would normally notice concerning behaviors
Difficulty forming new deep relationships where you'd feel comfortable discussing struggles
Missing familiar comfort foods and eating traditions
Eating alone more frequently, which can facilitate disordered behaviors
Body image shifts:
Noticing your body is different from French norms
Comments from others (even well-intentioned) about weight or appearance
Feeling "other" or "foreign" in your body as well as your environment
Pressure to fit in by adopting local beauty standards
Academic/professional pressure:
High stakes (your visa, career, family expectations depend on success)
Competitive environment (especially in Parisian universities/companies)
Using weight control as a proxy for life control
Skipping meals due to busy schedules or budget constraints
These factors don't excuse unhealthy behaviors, but understanding them is crucial. If you recognize yourself in any of these situations, know that you're not alone and that specialized support is available in English in Paris.
False Beliefs to Deconstruct
Myth 1: "Dietary supplements are natural therefore harmless"
Reality: "Natural" doesn't mean "risk-free." Many natural substances are toxic (like arsenic or hemlock). Dietary supplements can contain powerful active substances, interact with other medications, and cause serious adverse effects. ANSES has documented severe liver damage, cardiac disorders, and psychiatric effects related to supplement consumption.
Myth 2: "A restrictive diet is the fastest and most effective way to lose weight"
Reality: Restrictive diets are ineffective long-term and carry significant risks. They can:
Slow down basal metabolism
Cause nutritional deficiencies
Trigger eating disorders
Lead to weight regain greater than initial weight (yo-yo effect)
Affect growth and development in adolescents
Myth 3: "If my doctor prescribes Ozempic, I can eat whatever I want without gaining weight"
Reality: GLP-1 agonists aren't "magic pills." They:
Require strict medical supervision
Don't replace balanced nutrition and physical activity
Have potentially serious side effects
Cause weight regain upon discontinuation
Are only indicated in specific cases and under medical supervision
Myth 4: "Losing weight quickly is always beneficial for health"
Reality: Rapid weight loss can be dangerous, particularly in young people:
Loss of muscle and bone mass
Nutritional deficiencies
Hormonal imbalances
Developmental disorders
Increased risk of eating disorders
The complex truth: The relationship between weight, health, and well-being is infinitely more complex than what the "wellness" industry claims. Weight is influenced by hundreds of factors (genetic, hormonal, metabolic, psychological, social, environmental) that largely escape voluntary control. Trying to "control" your weight at all costs can paradoxically lead to a total loss of control and the development of serious disorders.
Section 3: Warning Signs - Recognizing When the Situation Becomes Concerning
The Weight Relationship Violence Scale
Inspired by the violence scale used to detect domestic violence, we can adapt this tool to assess when the relationship with weight and food becomes toxic in young people.
🟢 Level 1 - VIGILANCE (Green): "I'm mindful but with kindness"
Occasional thoughts about food or weight
Desire to "eat better" without obsession
Acceptance of natural body variations
Preserved pleasure in eating
Flexibility in food choices
🟡 Level 2 - ATTENTION (Yellow): "Some clouds on the horizon"
More frequent preoccupations with appearance
Beginning of personal food rules
Slight guilt after certain meals
Occasional comparisons with others
Frequent scale checking
Occasional avoidance of certain foods
🟠 Level 3 - ALERT (Orange): "The situation needs attention"
Obsessive thoughts about food or weight
Avoidance of social situations because of food
Systematic self-criticism about body
Compensation (excessive exercise, restriction) after "breaking rules"
Use of "slimming" dietary supplements
Strict following of internet-found diets
Impact on social and school life
🔴 Level 4 - DANGER (Red): "Emergency - need for professional help"
Purging behaviors (vomiting, laxatives)
Compulsive physical exercise despite fatigue/injuries
Total social isolation around food
Rigid and anxiety-provoking food rituals
Request or use of weight loss medications without medical indication
Concealment of eating behaviors
Physical symptoms (amenorrhea, extreme fatigue, dizziness)
Obsessive thoughts occupying several hours per day
When to Consult a Professional?
You should consult if you recognize in yourself or a loved one:
Constant preoccupation with weight, body shape, or food
Severe dietary restriction behaviors
Regular use of "slimming" or "muscle building" supplements
Request for weight loss medication prescription without medical indication
Concerning physical changes (rapid weight loss, fatigue, menstrual disorders)
Impact on social, school, or family life
Emotional distress related to weight or appearance
Don't wait until the situation becomes critical. The earlier the intervention, the better the outcome. Eating disorders can develop quickly in young people, and early intervention can prevent the installation of serious pathology.
Finding Help in English in Paris: Practical Guide
For English speakers, finding appropriate help can be challenging. Here's a practical guide:
Where to find English-speaking healthcare professionals:
Dietitians/Nutritionists:
Search on Doctolib with filter "English" (filtre "anglais")
Look for "bilingual dietitian" (diététicien bilingue)
Ask for recommendations in expat groups (Facebook: "Americans in Paris", "British in Paris", etc.)
Contact international clinics (American Hospital of Paris, WICE)
Mental Health Professionals:
Psychologists/Therapists: Many Parisian therapists specialize in expat issues
Check with your university's counseling services (especially for international students)
Organizations like International Therapy Group have English-speaking therapists
Medical Doctors:
American Hospital of Paris (Neuilly-sur-Seine): Full English-speaking staff
Hertford British Hospital (Levallois-Perret)
Search "English speaking doctor Paris" on Doctolib
Eating Disorder Specialized Centers:
SOS Anor (Paris): Some staff speak English, they can guide you
Contact them: www.sosanor.org
FFAB (Fédération Française Anorexie Boulimie): www.ffab.fr
Understanding the French healthcare system:
You need a Carte Vitale (health insurance card) - get this through your school/employer or CPAM
Choose a médecin traitant (primary care physician) for better reimbursement
Mutuelle is supplementary insurance - highly recommended
Specialist appointments may require referral (lettre de recommandation)
Mental health care is partially reimbursed (psychologists with special agreements)
Cost considerations:
Dietitian consultations: €50-80, partially reimbursed if prescribed by doctor
Psychologist/therapist: €60-100, limited reimbursement (check your mutuelle)
Psychiatrist: Better reimbursement than psychologist
Important: Ask about tiers payant (you only pay the non-reimbursed portion)
Language tips:
Don't be afraid to ask your provider to speak slowly or repeat
Use translation apps for medical terms you don't understand
Bring a French-speaking friend to important appointments if needed
Write down questions beforehand
Ask for information sheets in English if available
Emergency resources:
Fil Santé Jeunes (Youth Health Hotline): 0 800 235 236 (some English support available)
In crisis: Go to emergency room (urgences) - they'll find interpreters
Suicide prevention: 3114 (French, but assistance available)
Section 4: Towards a Healthier Approach - Solutions and Support
What Health Authorities Recommend
ANSES (French National Agency for Food Safety) is clear: "In the absence of pathology, nutritional needs can be met through varied and balanced diet, combined with appropriate physical activity. Dietary supplement consumption is then not necessary."
The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends:
Discourage crash diets, fasting, meal skipping, and adding dietary supplements for weight loss
Favor nutrition according to national food guides
Teach adolescents to be critical of any weight loss proposals that aim to sell them something
Encourage physical activity for its many benefits, not solely for weight control
Screen systematically for dieting behaviors during routine consultations
The HAS (French High Health Authority) insists:
Weight loss medications are second-line treatments, only after failure of lifestyle modifications
Their prescription must be strictly supervised by specialists
They never replace nutritional and psychological support
The Non-Restrictive Approach: A Compassionate Alternative
Rather than focusing on weight, a truly compassionate approach concentrates on:
Overall well-being:
How do I feel in my body?
Do I have energy?
Do I sleep well?
Do I feel mentally well?
Reconnection with body signals:
Relearning to recognize hunger and satiety
Respecting your nutritional needs
Listening to your cravings without judgment
Understanding that the body has its own wisdom (discover nutritional rehabilitation and reeducation)
Food diversity:
No food is forbidden
All foods have their place in a balanced diet
Food pleasure is a fundamental need
Food rigidity creates more problems than it solves
Self-esteem development:
Valuing qualities unrelated to appearance
Freeing yourself from internalized fatphobia
Understanding that personal worth doesn't depend on weight
Cultivating self-compassion
Physical activity for pleasure:
Finding activities that bring pleasure, not suffering
Focusing on what your body can do rather than its appearance
Respecting your limits and rest needs
Avoiding compulsive or compensatory exercise
The Role of Professional Support
When to consult a specialized dietitian nutritionist:
Professional support is particularly indicated if:
You or your teenager show concerning weight regulation behaviors
There are signs of emerging eating disorders
Use of dietary supplements or "slimming" products has become regular
The relationship with food generates anxiety or suffering
You need support to break free from restrictive diets
You're struggling to navigate French healthcare as an expat
What specialized support can provide:
Professional assessment:
Non-judgmental situation analysis
Identification of risk factors
Assessment of real nutritional needs
Screening for possible eating disorders or comorbidities (like PCOS)
Adapted nutritional education:
Reliable scientific information
Deconstruction of food myths
Understanding how the body works
Education on hunger and satiety signals
Psychological and emotional support:
Compassionate listening space
Work on body image
Emotion management
Self-esteem development
Multidisciplinary approach if necessary:
Collaboration with other professionals (psychologist, psychiatrist, physician)
Comprehensive care
Care coordination (discover the importance of multidisciplinary support)
Prevention of worsening:
Early intervention to prevent installation of serious disorders
Learning healthy coping strategies
Reinforcement of protective factors
Expat-specific considerations in professional support:
Cultural sensitivity to your background and food traditions
Understanding of the additional stressors you face as an expat
Bilingual support to ensure clear communication
Navigation assistance with the French healthcare system
Connection with English-speaking support networks
What to Do as a Parent or Loved One?
If you're a parent or loved one of a young person concerned about their weight:
✅ DO:
Listen without judging: Create a safe dialogue space where the young person can express themselves freely
Validate emotions: Acknowledge suffering without minimizing ("I understand you feel bad in your body")
Educate yourself: Learn about eating disorders and young people's mental health
Model a healthy relationship with food: Lead by example with a balanced approach yourself
Consult if necessary: Don't hesitate to call on professionals at first signs
Limit exposure to toxic content: Discuss dangers of social media and help develop critical thinking
Encourage diversity: Value qualities unrelated to physical appearance
❌ DON'T:
Comment on the young person's weight or physical appearance (even positively)
Rigidly control their food intake
Encourage diets or weight loss
Use food as reward or punishment
Compare the young person to others
Minimize their suffering ("It's just a phase")
Ignore warning signs hoping it will pass
For expat families: Additional challenges:
You might not be familiar with French healthcare resources
Language barriers can make it harder to seek help
Cultural differences in how families discuss weight/food
Missing extended family support network
Financial concerns about healthcare costs
The family approach is crucial in recovery. A compassionate, informed, and supportive family can make all the difference in the positive evolution of a concerning situation.
Section 5: Hope and Recovery - You Can Overcome This
Alternatives Exist
It's possible to live without weight obsession. Thousands of young people (and adults) manage each year to free themselves from the prison of diets, supplements, and incessant weight preoccupations.
Protective factors that favor a healthy relationship with food and body:
Strong self-esteem not based on appearance
Compassionate and non-judgmental environment
Valuable activities (sports, arts, community engagement, etc.)
Quality health education
Critical thinking towards media messages
Ability to ask for help when needed
The Message of Hope
To young people reading this article: Your worth isn't measured in kilograms. Your body doesn't need to be "fixed," "optimized," or "controlled" for you to deserve love, respect, and acceptance. The products, diets, and medications being sold to you as solutions will only deepen suffering that has other roots.
What you truly deserve is:
A body that functions and carries you every day
The pleasure of eating without guilt
Energy to pursue your passions
Authentic relationships not based on appearance
Freedom to think about things other than weight
Compassionate support if you need it
Recovery is possible. It comes through understanding, self-compassion, and sometimes the help of trained professionals. It takes time, has ups and downs, but it exists. Thousands of people before you have found a peaceful relationship with their body and food. You can too.
For expats specifically: You're dealing with more than most young people - cultural adaptation, language barriers, being far from home. It's okay to struggle. It's okay to need help. The challenges you face are real and significant. But you don't have to face them alone. Professional support in English exists in Paris. You deserve to feel at home in your body, wherever in the world you are.
Conclusion: Choosing Compassion Over Control
Weight regulation among young people has become a major public health issue, not because of an "obesity epidemic" as often heard, but because of the epidemic of diets, dangerous supplements, misused medications, and resulting eating disorders.
Dietary supplements, restrictive diets, and weight loss medications are not harmless solutions. They carry real risks, particularly in growing young people. They can trigger or worsen eating disorders, affect physical and psychological development, and establish a toxic relationship with food that will persist into adulthood.
The alternative exists: it's a compassionate, non-restrictive approach that places well-being at the center rather than weight. It's health education that empowers without guilt. It's professional support that understands the complex mechanisms at play and doesn't settle for simplistic solutions.
If you're a young person concerned by these issues, know that you're not alone, that your suffering is legitimate, and that trained professionals exist to support you compassionately. Your body deserves your respect, not your hostility. Your relationship with food can become a source of pleasure and health, not constraint and anxiety.
If you're an expat parent or loved one, stay vigilant without being intrusive, educate yourself without dramatizing, and don't hesitate to consult specialized professionals at first warning signs. Your compassion and support can make all the difference. And remember - navigating these issues in a foreign language and healthcare system is challenging. Seek out English-speaking resources and don't feel ashamed about needing extra support.
Together, we can build a healthier, freer, and more serene relationship with food and body. Because health is much more than a number on a scale. It's physical, mental, and social well-being. It's the ability to live your life fully without being prisoner to food obsessions. This is what we propose you discover in adapted and respectful support.
📚 Further Reading
Related articles recommended:
External resources useful:
ANSES (French Food Safety Agency): www.anses.fr
HAS (French High Health Authority): www.has-sante.fr
SOS Anor (ED support association): www.sosanor.org
FFAB (French Anorexia Bulimia Federation): www.ffab.fr
Fil Santé Jeunes (Youth health hotline): 0 800 235 236
NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association - US resource): www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
BEAT (UK Eating Disorders Charity - for British expats): www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
English-speaking expat support groups in Paris:
Americans in Paris (Facebook group)
British in Paris (Facebook group)
Message (English-speaking Paris mothers group)
WICE (Women in Continuing Education - offers support groups)
International School counseling services (if you're a student)
💙 Living and Eating Are Two Sides of the Same Coin
Lighten your relationship with food and free yourself from what no longer serves you!
Want Compassionate, English-Speaking Support?
I'm Alexis Alliel, a bilingual dietitian-nutritionist, specialized in treating eating disorders and complex relationships with food in adolescents and young adults. My approach is non-restrictive, compassionate, and based on the latest scientific recommendations.
I see patients in consultation:
In Paris 6th (59 rue de Seine - LIONNES Feminist Clinic)
In Paris 20th (11 rue Saint-Blaise)
In Le Raincy (93)
By videoconference anywhere in France or abroad
My specialization:
Prevention and treatment of eating disorders in young people
Post-diet support and breaking free from restrictions
Nutritional rehabilitation and reconnection with sensations
Non-restrictive approach to weight management
Support for families and loved ones
Expat-specific support: Cultural sensitivity, healthcare navigation, bilingual care
Don't wait until the situation becomes critical to consult. The earlier the intervention, the better the outcome. I'm here to listen to you without judgment, understand your unique situation, and support you towards a more serene relationship with food and your body.
Understanding the French Healthcare System
For expats, here's what you need to know:
Carte Vitale: French health insurance card - essential for reimbursement
Médecin traitant: Your primary care physician - choose one for better coverage
Mutuelle: Supplementary insurance - highly recommended (covers what Sécu doesn't)
Tiers payant: You only pay the non-reimbursed portion at appointment
Reimbursement: Dietitian consultations partially reimbursed if medically prescribed
Doctolib: Online booking platform - how most people book appointments in France
My consultations:
Can be partially reimbursed by Assurance Maladie (with medical prescription)
Often well-covered by mutuelles
Available in both French and English
Adapted to expat schedules and needs
Clear invoicing for insurance claims
Practical Information for English Speakers
Language: All consultations available in English First appointment: 60-75 minutes - comprehensive assessment Follow-up appointments: 30-45 minutes Videoconference: Ideal if you're not in Paris or prefer remote care Payment: Cash, check, or bank transfer. Invoice provided for insurance reimbursement.
What to expect:
Non-judgmental, safe space
Cultural sensitivity to your background
Evidence-based nutritional guidance
Practical strategies adapted to your life in France
Support navigating French healthcare
Connection with English-speaking therapists if needed
Family involvement welcome (parents/partners)
I work collaboratively with:
English-speaking psychologists and psychiatrists in Paris
Your existing healthcare team
Your family (if you wish)
School/university counselors
Other dietitians if you travel frequently
📞 Schedule an Appointment:
Doctolib: Book online (use "English" filter)
Phone: +33 6 22 41 55 21 (I speak English)
Email: contact@alexis-alliel-dn.fr
My professional credentials:
RPPS: 10007258733 (French healthcare provider ID)
ADELI: 75 95 0878 1 (Registration number)
Degree: Dietitian-Nutritionist DE (French State Diploma)
Specializations: Eating Disorders, Non-restrictive approach, Bilingual French-English care
Experience: Extensive work with international students, expats, and multicultural clients
You deserve adapted, respectful, and effective support. Together, we can work to ease your relationship with food and help you feel at home in your body, wherever you are in the world.
Testimonials from International Clients
"As an American student in Paris, I struggled to find someone who understood both my eating disorder and my cultural context. Alexis provided exactly what I needed - professional care in English without judgment. He helped me navigate the French healthcare system too." - Sarah, 22, from California
"My daughter is British and was developing concerning behaviors around food after moving to Paris. Alexis's bilingual approach made all the difference. He could speak with her in English and with us as parents, helping us understand French resources." - Parent of teen client
"I didn't think I could afford specialized care in Paris as an expat. Alexis explained the reimbursement system clearly and helped me get documentation for my mutuelle. The care was worth every euro." - James, 25, from UK
📖 SOURCES BOX
Scientific and Official References
ANSES (French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety)
"Food supplements: the need for informed consumption" (2025)
Alerts on Garcinia cambogia and other at-risk supplements
www.anses.fr/en/content/food-supplements-need-informed-consumption
Ministerial Order of April 15, 2025 suspending import, introduction and marketing in France of dietary supplements containing Garcinia cambogia plant
French Ministry of Economy and Finance
Journal of Adolescent Health - Ganson et al. (2024)
"Muscle-enhancing dietary supplements among adolescents and young adults"
Study on supplement consumption in over 80% of male adolescents
Canadian Paediatric Society (2024)
"Dieting in adolescence: risks and recommendations"
Documentation of physical and psychological consequences of dieting in youth
HAS (French High Health Authority) - 2025 Recommendations
"Management of obesity in adults and adolescents"
Semaglutide (Wegovy): second-line treatment under strict conditions
ANSM (French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety)
Enhanced surveillance on Ozempic and Wegovy (2025)
Restrictions on prescribing conditions
Alerts on misuse
Truveta Research Institute & Evernorth Research Institute (2024)
50% increase in semaglutide prescriptions among 12-17 year-olds in 2024
67.8% increase in 15-18 year-olds
Harvard School of Public Health (2024)
Study published in Journal of Adolescent Health on harmful effects of dietary supplements in youth
Foundation for Medical Research (FRM) (2025)
"Dietary supplements: risks and precautions"
Doubling of consumption since 2006 in France
Stanford University (2024)
Study on the impact of exposure to "food-shaming" content on adolescent eating behaviors
30 minutes of daily exposure significantly increases restrictive behaviors
The Conversation - Scientific articles (2025)
"Ozempic and weight loss: the risks behind misuse of this antidiabetic"
Documentation of side effects and long-term risks
EFSA (European Food Safety Authority)
Ongoing assessment of hydroxycitric acid (Garcinia cambogia)
Assessment of added sugars and their impact on youth health
International research on expat mental health
Higher rates of eating disorders among expatriate populations
Cultural transition as risk factor for disordered eating
Language barriers impact on help-seeking behaviors
Note: All data and statistics mentioned in this article come from official sources and published scientific studies. Recommendations comply with guidelines from French and international health authorities (HAS, ANSES, ANSM, Canadian Paediatric Society, etc.).
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