At The Hungry Nutritionist we treat both children and adults with eating disorders. The types of disorders we work with include;
- Anorexia Nervosa– Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, leading to restriction of food intake, significantly low body weight, and a distorted perception of body image. Treatment often involves nutritional counseling, psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or family-based therapy), and medical monitoring to restore weight and address underlying psychological issues.
- Bulimia Nervosa– Bulimia Nervosa involves recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, or excessive exercise. Treatment commonly includes nutritional counseling, psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy), and medications when necessary to address binge-purge cycles and underlying emotional issues.
- Binge Eating Disorder and Emotional Eating– Binge Eating Disorder involves recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often rapidly and to the point of discomfort, without compensatory behaviors. Treatment involves therapy focusing on emotional regulation, mindful eating practices, addressing triggers, and establishing a healthier relationship with food through cognitive-behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy as well as nutrition therapy
- ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)-ARFID involves a limited or restricted intake of food due to sensory issues, lack of interest in eating, or avoidance based on fear of negative consequences (e.g., choking, vomiting). Treatment includes gradual exposure to different foods, sensory therapy, and nutritional counselling to expand food choices and overcome fears around eating.
- Orthorexia– Orthorexia involves an obsessive focus on eating “healthy” or “clean” foods to the point where it negatively impacts a person’s life, leading to rigid eating patterns, social isolation, and nutritional deficiencies. Treatment involves psychotherapy to address obsessive thoughts, challenge rigid food rules, and foster a balanced approach to nutrition.
- Yo-Yo Dieting– Yo-yo dieting refers to cycles of weight loss followed by regain, often due to extreme or unsustainable dieting practices. Treatment focuses on breaking this cycle by promoting gradual, sustainable lifestyle changes, developing a healthy and compassionate relationship with food and body image, and adopting a balanced approach to eating and exercise.
The treatment for each diagnosis is complex and highly individualized, often involving a multidisciplinary approach that includes psychotherapy, nutritional counselling, medical support, and addressing any underlying emotional or psychological issues
