Is Weight Suppression Driving Your Binge Eating? Exploring the Research

Drawing of two smiling women in purple sweaters, for an article on how weight suppression can drive binge eating.

TL;DR If you have bulimia nervosa, being at a weight lower than your body’s natural high point ( known as weight suppression) may actually be fueling your binge eating. When the body is pushed below its natural weight, hormones like leptin drop, metabolism slows, and appetite increases, making bingeing the body’s way of fighting back …

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Why Can’t I Stop Binge Eating? Insight From a Therapist

A young man takes a big bite of a donut at a café, for an article on why you can't stop binge eating.

TL; DR If you’re stuck in a cycle of binge eating, the solution may be the opposite of what you’d expect. Restriction and dieting are most likely the root cause of your bingeing, not a lack of willpower or emotional weakness. Our bodies are biologically wired to overeat in response to food deprivation, a survival …

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Nutritional Supplement Shakes in Eating Disorder Recovery: Expert Insights

Drawing of a young woman drinking from a bright pink cup through a straw, illustrating nutrition shakes for ARFID and eating disorder recovery.

TL; DR Nutritional supplement shakes play a vital role in eating disorder recovery by helping restore nutritional health. These shakes provide a high-calorie, nutrient-dense liquid option for those struggling to consume enough food, especially early in recovery when feelings of fullness can be challenging. Popular brands like Boost and Ensure offer various formulations, including dairy …

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Supporting a Loved One with Emetophobia: Guidance From a Therapist

Drawing of a couple in a tender embrace, eyes closed, illustrating how to support a loved one with emetophobia, the fear of vomiting.

TL; DR Emetophobia is an intense fear of vomiting that can severely limit a person’s life, leading to avoidance of various situations and activities. If you have a loved one struggling with this phobia, here are key ways you can provide support: Educate Yourself: Understanding emetophobia helps you empathize with their struggles and recognize it …

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How Much Food to Feed: Guidelines From Family-Based Treatment

A family having dinner together at a table, illustrating how much food to feed a teen in Family-Based Treatment (FBT).

TL; DR In Family-Based Treatment, parents play a crucial role in helping their teens recover from eating disorders by providing adequate nutrition. Here’s a simplified overview of how much to feed: Feed More Than You Think: Healthy teens, especially those needing weight restoration, often require 2000-6000 calories daily. Early weight gain (4-5 pounds in the …

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Is Your Young Adult With an Eating Disorder Ready for College?

A group of college students walking, talking, and laughing together, illustrating college readiness after an eating disorder.

TL; DR Transitioning to college can be especially challenging for young adults with eating disorders. The stress of new environments, social pressures, and lifestyle changes can exacerbate their struggles. To assess readiness, it’s crucial to evaluate their recovery over the past six months, ensuring they’ve maintained a healthy weight, avoided eating disorder behaviors, and can …

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Online Family-Based Treatment: The Benefits of Virtual Support

Drawing of a teen and her parents in front of a computer screen, illustrating online Family-Based Treatment (FBT).

TL;DR Online Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is a highly effective therapy for teens with eating disorders, emphasizing parental involvement in treatment. Delivered via telehealth, it allows families to participate from home, making it accessible for busy schedules. Research shows that online FBT can lead to significant improvements in weight, eating disorder symptoms, and overall mental health, …

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FBT Meal Strategies Gleaned from Ziplining: A Therapist’s Perspective

Dr. Lauren Muhlheim on a zip line, the experience behind her FBT meal strategies for parents.

TL; DR In her insightful piece, Dr. Lauren Muhlheim uses a zip-lining experience as a metaphor to illustrate how parents can support their children with eating disorders during family-based treatment (FBT). She highlights key strategies that can ease the anxiety surrounding mealtimes, akin to facing the fear of jumping from a plane. Physical Placement: Parents …

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Research on the Family Meal in FBT: The Impact of Parental Direction

Drawing of a family seated around a table, illustrating research on the family meal in Family-Based Treatment (FBT).

TL; DR Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is the leading outpatient therapy for adolescent eating disorders, particularly anorexia. A key component is the family meal, where parents actively encourage their teens to eat, often under the observation of a therapist. Research with 21 families revealed that direct prompts (like urging teens to eat specific foods) were more …

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