TL; DR The holidays can be the first opportunity parents have to notice changes in their college student that may signal an eating disorder. Eating disorders often disguise themselves as “healthy habits,” making them easy to miss until they’ve taken a stronger hold. Warning signs include noticeable weight changes, food avoidance or rigidity, increased exercise …
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 …
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 …
First published in October 2015 by Dr. Lauren Muhlheim, Psy.D., CEDS-C, and Katie Grubiak, RDN. Updated October 2026. 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 …
TL;DR Excessive exercise is a common symptom in teens with eating disorders, potentially worsening their condition. During Family-Based Treatment (FBT), the approach to exercise is phased: Phase 1: Focus is on weight gain and stopping eating disorder behaviors. Exercise is typically halted for safety, as malnourished teens are at risk for serious health issues. Parents …
TL;DR Early intervention is crucial in addressing eating disorders, which can lead to severe health issues if not treated promptly. Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is a leading, evidence-based approach tailored for teens, emphasizing parental involvement to support recovery. Despite its potential benefits, parents often hesitate to intervene due to uncertainty about the early signs of these …
By Carly Poynter, Psy.D. and Lauren Muhlheim, Psy.D. Emetophobia is an intense fear of vomiting. It can include fear of throwing up yourself, fear of seeing someone else get sick, and fear of feeling nauseous. For many people, it quietly shrinks what, where, and how much they eat. If you have been diagnosed with a …
Guest post by 2023-2024 doctoral extern, Vera Levi, MA Many of our prospective clients are curious about GLP-1s for weight loss. They arrive seeking therapy for their eating disorder while simultaneously pursuing a prescription for Ozempic–not to treat a medical condition– but to lose weight. Here’s what you should know. Eating Disorder Clients Seeking Weight …
Health professionals often recommend bariatric surgery for patients with larger bodies. A large body size, referred to in the medical world as “obesity,”—a term we will not use unless citing medical data— is not the same as an eating disorder. Yet, there is an intersection. A considerable number of people considering bariatric surgery may have …
Post by Carly Poynter, Psy.D., staff therapist What is Orthorexia? Orthorexia is an eating disorder in which an individual is fixated on the quality of food and avoidance—in the pursuit of health—of foods labeled as “unhealthy” or “bad.” The person continues to pursue “health” despite experiencing considerable negative health consequences and an impact on psychological …