Eating Disorder

You’re the first to know of this new virtual programming, beginning April 26 We at LIFT are happy to announce the long-awaited launch of a new weekly training and support group for parents and loved ones of individuals suffering from eating disorders. As part of our mission to improve eating disorder quality of care, we are especially passionate about providing family support and education.

We at LIFT understand that approaching the topic of food with children can be daunting for parents. While we can’t predict our children’s reactions, parents remain the most reliable support for their children, and early intervention has proven to be one of the strongest indicators of recovery. Eating disorders are serious disorders and trying for everyone involved. Support for each family member through this time can be crucial to full and successful recovery.

For those who suffer from disordered eating, food anxiety triggered by the upcoming holiday season may be enough to make them want to pack bags and shack up somewhere warm for the coming months. Halloween leads the festive three-month parade of family meals, social events, celebratory feasting, and for many, rationalized overindulgence.

March is “National Nutrition Month,” so we at LIFT have asked our resident dietician and certified eating disorder nutritionist to contribute her expertise. Below, she weighs in on the HAES (Health At Every Size) movement.

The week of February 24 to March 1 marks National Eating Disorder Awareness (NEDA) week.

The 2020 theme for #NEDAwareness is “Come as You Are: Hindsight is 20/20.” This year’s theme is meant to convey that everyone’s story — no matter their identity or where they are on their journey to self-acceptance — is valid and worthy of representation. NEDA hopes that this theme will encourage people to reflect on any positive steps (regardless of how small) they have taken toward accepting themselves.

As a registered dietitian and a certified eating disorder specialist, I have encountered an expansive array of client demographics and backgrounds, and have also have worked closely with those struggling with mental health issues.

Eating Disorders are an array of mental disorders that display unusual eating behaviors or habits with serious health consequences.  They are quite prevalent, affecting more than 24 million Americans.     

All eating disorders are rooted in an obsession with food, the shape of one’s body or body weight. 

These mental disorders affect people physically, psychologically and socially and they can be fatal.  Eating disorders are the leading cause of death in teenagers in the U.S.   

The symptoms of eating disorders are food restriction, binges on food, and purging by vomiting or by over-exercising.