Treatment for Eating Disorders

What Are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are complex illnesses that can have long-term physical and emotional outcomes. Those who are suffering from eating disorders have an unhealthy, fearful relationship with food, their physical appearance, and weight. Eating disorders develop when unhealthy habits or behaviours around food and exercise become out of control. 

Signs and Symptoms

You can’t tell that someone has an eating disorder simply by looking at them. It is important to know and recognize other actions that may be indicators of a larger mental health issue. We’ve listed some signs and symptoms to look out for if you believe that you or someone who know may need to seek treatment for eating disorders.

  • Eating too much
  • Eating too little
  • Purging
  • Obsession with exercise, food and/or weight
  • Constant concerns about body image
  • Isolation & Isolating after meals
  • Change in mood or behaviour
  • Refusing to participate in social meals
  • Comments about weight, shape, and size
  • Changes in exercise patterns
  • Using the bathroom immediately following meals
  • Weight fluctuations
  • Cutting out or avoiding certain foods or food groups (for weight loss)
  • Following social media influence(r)s that may promote disordered eating
  • Using electronic devices to monitor nutrition intake

Treatment for Eating Disorder

For anyone struggling with an eating disorder, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible to help prevent long-term consequences and improve quality of life. Treatment for eating disorders typically includes medical monitoring, nutritional counselling, medication, and psychotherapy/psychoeducation for the client and their family. By receiving adequate nutrition and support, sufferers can work toward understanding their illness and seek options for change.

We can help. At Healthy Essentials Clinic, we provide both clinical and dietetic counselling to support those suffering. The first step to seeking treatment is to assess whether a client is mild, moderate or acute. Your Family Physician and an HEC Individual counsellor will conduct an assessment for each individual case. Clients will meet with counsellors on a weekly basis to ensure proper care. A dietitian will work with clients individually to customize a meal plan and to offer weekly education to clients and family members regarding meal support. We encourage Family counselling throughout treatment to support and offer psychoeducation around eating disorder information. 

After meeting with the professionals at Healthy Essentials Clinic, a treatment plan is created specifically for each individual, ensuring the best possible care for each client and their family.  

Eating disorders are a serious mental illness, not just a diet or lifestyle choice. With appropriate care, individuals can successfully manage the symptoms of this disorder and work toward improved quality of life. 

We are here for you.

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