About Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious psychological problems with an estimated suicide mortality rate for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa that is 23 times greater than that of the general population. Eating disorders affect people from all walks of life, all ages, all genders, and all backgrounds. They are complex bio-psycho-social problems that severely impact health and wellbeing; more so when the brain and body are deprived of adequate and consistent amounts of quality nutrition.
Athletes have a significantly higher prevalence of disordered eating patterns and serious eating disorders across sports and genders. There are many reasons for this including pervasive and systemic problems within the cultures of dance and sports themselves. Coupled with diet-culture more broadly, behaviors that are dysfunctional or unsafe are often affirmed and commended in the athlete. This makes it difficult to determine the difference between pushing our limits to accomplish something exceptional and hurting ourselves. If you are unsure and worry you may have a problem, please reach out for help.
Athletes have a significantly higher prevalence of disordered eating patterns and serious eating disorders across sports and genders. There are many reasons for this including pervasive and systemic problems within the cultures of dance and sports themselves. Coupled with diet-culture more broadly, behaviors that are dysfunctional or unsafe are often affirmed and commended in the athlete. This makes it difficult to determine the difference between pushing our limits to accomplish something exceptional and hurting ourselves. If you are unsure and worry you may have a problem, please reach out for help.
How a Dietitian Can Help
Dietitians with training and experience in this specialty will understand the complexities, medical complications, and psychological needs associated with eating disorders. They are also skilled in working alongside therapists and clinicians as vital team members in patient care. In the beginning, your dietitian may support you with structure and meal planning if that is needed, and will help you work towards nourishing yourself in a way that helps you live the life you want, including staying in your sport if that is something you desire. This is accomplished by helping individuals re-build their belief systems based on factual information and what they discover in therapy. For more information, please visit the Academy of Eating Disorders.
Working Together
I have been privileged to work side by side with clients from many different backgrounds, sports, cultures, faith traditions, and genders recovering from eating disorders and body image issues of every type. You can expect to be cared for, supported, and listened to every step of the way. In addition to the full spectrum of eating disorders and exercise balance, I also work with young people and families transitioning from Family Based Therapy to autonomous eating, clients who have experienced lapses in their eating disorder, and anyone in need of early intervention for themselves or a loved one.