Eating disorders are not a choice nor a fad; they are serious and complex biopsychosocial conditions that can be life-threatening if not properly treated. These disorders can manifest through behaviors such as restrictive eating, an obsession with “super healthy” foods, binge eating, purging, misuse of diet pills, or excessive exercise as compensatory behaviors. Individuals may also experience a profound fear of changes in body size, shape, or weight, and/or struggle with food avoidance due to trauma or sensory challenges. Symptoms of eating disorders are both physical and mental, including gastrointestinal disturbances (e.g., nausea, bloating, feelings of fullness), fatigue, feeling cold, hair loss, menstrual irregularities, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, decreased immune function, and stress injuries.
Early detection and treatment significantly improve the prognosis for recovery and help mitigate long-term consequences of eating disorders, such as heart, bone, metabolic, growth, and fertility issues.
Effective eating disorder treatment requires a multidisciplinary team of specialists working collaboratively to provide the highest level of care. At a minimum, the treatment team should include a registered dietitian, therapist, and medical provider, all of whom must have advanced training and expertise in eating disorders. Additional specialists, such as psychiatrists, family therapists, occupational therapists, and support groups may also play an essential role in the comprehensive treatment plan.
