Good Healthcare Requires Treatment of Your Mind, Body, and Soul

Support for Those Affected by Eating Disorders

28 February 2022 by Hugh Larson

An eating disorder is an unhealthy pattern that could be detrimental to one's health. A poor self image and pressures to be an ideal weight or possess a specific body type could lead someone to starving themselves or severely restricting their calories. If you have a loved one who seems to have a love/hate relationship with food and they their physical appearance has changed drastically, learn about eating disorder treatment support strategies.

A Medical Intervention

A medical intervention is something that can be conducted voluntarily or involuntarily. People who suffer from an eating disorder may follow a secretive lifestyle and be opposed to sharing any information with those who they are close to. Someone who has experienced a lot of negative side effects that are tied to an eating disorder, however, may be well-aware that their eating issue has contributed to poor health.

A medical practitioner who oversees patients with eating disorders may perform physical assessments, interviews, and monitored diet and exercise programs. If a person is not receptive to participating in a medically-supervised program, family members and friends can still seek support with helping the individual. This may include consulting with a dietician who has experience in eating disorders and attending groups that are designed to educate and empower those who are directly or indirectly affected by someone with a disorder.

Realistic Expectations

While someone is undergoing treatment, relatives and friends should be mindful that an issue will not be remedied immediately. If there are psychological triggers and other outside influences that are related to an eating disorder, an introspective approach may be needed to treat these things first. Realistic expectations should include being aware that some days are going to be harder than others, and that the person with the eating disorder may initially show signs of improvement but then relapse into their old way of doing things.

A clinical setting provides adequate support for someone with anorexia, bulimia, or another disorder that is linked to the consumption of food. A client will be weighed and will receive peer or mentor support through each stage of their journey.

A serious eating disorder that threatens someone's life may require that a patient receives around the clock care. This type of treatment program may involve living in a residential setting. A client will learn to live a more regimented lifestyle and will be prompted to deal with any emotional issues that have contributed to the onset of an eating disorder.

Contact a medical professional for more information about eating disorder treatment.

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