Finding help for eating disorders

Eating disorders are serious emotional and physical problems that can have life-threatening consequences. Sanford Health’s eating disorders program helps you regain control of your life.

Start with primary care

Reaching out to your primary care provider is a great first step in addressing your relationship with food or finding support for an eating disorder. They can help identify who to see next and how to access that care.

Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider

What is an eating disorder?

Eating disorders are abnormal eating habits that negatively impact your health.

People suffering from eating disorders often share the following traits:

Low self-esteem
Fear of “getting fat”
Intense dislike or unhappiness with their body
Feelings of helplessness, anxiety, or depression

Types of eating disorders

There are three main eating disorders:

Anorexia
Anorexia, or anorexia nervosa, causes an obsession of food and strong fear of gaining weight. People with this eating disorder often have a warped body image. They see themselves as fat even at dangerously low weights.

Bulimia
Outward appearance can hide eating disorders like bulimia. Those who struggle can be any age, size or sex. Often, though, they are young women of healthy to slightly below average weight. Bulimia involves uncontrollable eating, followed by either:

Purging through vomiting or laxatives
Non-purging through excessive exercise or fasting

Binge eating disorder
Compulsive overeating, or binge eating, can start gradually. Those suffering eat large amounts of food quickly, even if full. Many of us can binge eat occasionally. Compulsive overeating means binge eating twice a week for at least six months.

It’s important to note that people with disordered eating often do not fall rigidly into one type of eating disorder. Someone could display behaviors from all three of these categories.

Think someone has an eating disorder? Here’s what to do

Eating disorder treatment

Getting help for an eating disorder is not easy. Everyone’s triggers are different, and the idea of facing illness can feel overwhelming. Our behavioral health experts offer compassion and support. Let’s find a treatment plan right for you.

Treatment varies by symptoms, age and general health. Eating disorder treatment can include:

Nutrition counseling
Therapy (individual, family or group)
Medication for mental health concerns

Depending on severity, some people suffering from eating disorders need an urgent care visit or hospital stay for physical problems.

Others find the support they need through behavioral health services or at Eating Disorders & Weight Management Center in Fargo, ND.

What to expect at your appointment

Your first appointment is a consultation and evaluation by a specialist. This appointment helps determine whether you have an eating disorder. If so, you’ll start discussing treatment options. Bring your medical and psychiatric history and be ready to talk about your symptoms.

Once you and your specialist identify a treatment plan, you’ll also discuss body image concerns, what you’ve learned through treatment and how to prevent eating disorder relapse.