Return to Exercise and Eating Disorder Recovery in Teens During FBT

Drawing of a teen girl running on a treadmill, illustrating help for excessive exercise in eating disorder recovery.

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 …

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Do I Need to Quit X to Stay in Recovery?

A girl in a swimsuit looks away from the pool at a swim meet, for an article on whether you must quit a sport to stay in recovery.

By Carolyn Hersh, LCSW, CEDS-S Clinical Supervisor A difficult decision in recovery is knowing when to let go of an activity–or even a job–that could potentially re-ignite the eating disorder. As a therapist I find myself guiding my clients through exploration of their values. Some come to realize that the sport or career path they …

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A Better Resolution For Exercise

A larger-bodied woman dances freely outdoors, illustrating joyful movement in eating disorder recovery.

by Kristen Wright, LMFT, a former therapist at EDTLA Did you make a New Year’s Resolution to start a new fitness routine? Those “thirty days of push-ups or sit-ups” or “do 15 of this and 12 of that a day to your ideal body in no time,” might sound appealing. But you may have already …

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