What types of eating disorders does The Meadows treat?
The Meadows offers treatment for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (AFRID), other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED), disordered eating, and more.
How do I know if I have an eating disorder?
If thoughts about food, weight, or body image are taking up a significant part of your day or affecting your health, mood, or daily life, you may be struggling with an eating disorder. Signs can appear different for everyone but commonly include: restrictive eating, bingeing, purging, excessive exercise, or intense fear of weight change. To discuss what treatment might be right for you, call our team at 928.260.3568.
What are the signs and symptoms of disordered eating?
Disordered eating includes a range of unhealthy behaviors around food and body image that vary between people, but common signs include:
Obsessive calorie counting or food rules
Skipping meals or extreme dieting
Emotional eating or eating in secret
Frequent body checking or negative self-talk
Guilt or shame after eating
Fixation on weight, size, or appearance
Can you have an eating disorder and still eat regularly?
Yes. Eating disorders are not defined by the absence of eating but rather by your relationship with food, body, and control. Many individuals with eating disorders eat regularly but engage in restrictive rules, compulsive behaviors, or harmful thought patterns. It’s the underlying emotion, distress, and behavior around food that defines the disorder, not just what or how much is eaten.
How do eating disorders affect long-term physical and mental health?
Eating disorders can have serious, lasting impacts on many different parts of the body and mind. Physically, they can affect heart health, bone density, digestion, fertility, and organ function. Mentally, they’re linked to anxiety, depression, isolation, and a decreased quality of life. Early treatment can help prevent long-term damage and support full recovery, both physically and emotionally.
How long does it take to heal from an eating disorder?
Healing is not linear and varies from person to person. Depending on the severity and duration of the disorder, the recovery time will vary. What’s important to remember is that recovery is possible and you can rebuild a healthy relationship with food, your body, and yourself.
How do I talk to a loved one about their eating disorder?
Talking to a loved one about their eating disorder should be approached with care, compassion, and without judgment. Choose a quiet, non-confrontational time to talk. Focus on what you have noticed and how much you care about them, and avoid focusing on weight or food. Instead, emphasize emotional well-being and offer to support them in getting help, reminding them they are not alone.
What treatment options are available, and how do I determine the level of care I need?
Treatment options range from outpatient programs and workshops to more intensive inpatient treatment. The appropriate level of care depends on the individual and the severity of their eating disorder. To discuss the option that best suits you, call our admissions team at 928.260.3568 or contact us through our online contact form.
How do I get started with eating disorder treatment?
The first step towards treatment for an eating disorder begins with reaching out. You can contact our team through our online contact form or by giving us a call at 928.260.3568. We are here to guide you and help you achieve lasting recovery.
Does The Meadows provide post-treatment recovery support?
At The Meadows, we know that recovery doesn’t end when treatment does. The Meadows offers several options, including step-down programs following inpatient treatment, as well as outpatient programs with locations nationwide, as well as our experienced Case Management team that provides ongoing support. Our alumni program, Onward, is open to any individual who has gone through one of our programs. Onward provides individuals with a supportive community committed to ongoing resources and empowerment, knowing that recovery is a lifelong journey.
Does the Meadows offer nutritional training that can support individuals during and after treatment?
Nutrition and a balanced relationship with food are the core of treating Eating Disorders. Our Registered Dietitians have advanced training in working with patients who require this type of care. Patients are provided meal plans, education, individual and group therapy, along with three meals and three snacks per day. All patients leave with a solid meal plan and appointments with Dietitians at their next level of care.
Does treatment for eating disorders include family involvement or support?
Family or friend involvement is crucial to the healing process for eating disorders. In our programs, we offer a variety of resources for family members, including educational and communication tools, as well as, in some cases, onsite workshops. The decision to attend a family program is guided by several factors, including the length of stay, clinical appropriateness, patient desire, and others. Once admitted, our team members will work with the patient and their family to determine the next steps.
