I have a wife with bulimia and it was getting to the point where I couldn't take it any more. She needed bulimia treatment badly, but I didn't know where to turn. Through the internet I came across your site and sent my wife for bulimia treatment at your center.
Whoever she first spoke with made her feel so comfortable, she even became excited about the possibility of not having to binge and purge any more. The change in her is amazing. I know she will always be recovering, but I am proud to say she is the most courageous person I know. Thank you for all of your help.
-- Preston V., Nashua, New Hampshire
I needed to find an eating disorder clinic so badly. I used to eat compulsively and had swung over completely to purging and laxatives. I felt so bad about myself, the shame and guilt was just killing me. I had been to an eating disorder clinic before, but they really did not address my mood swings, that I have since understood them to be a bipolar disorder.
Your staff kept telling me that my eating behavior was a symptom of other problems. Well even though I didn't believe them they turned out to be right. I don't use laxatives, I have even learned to exercise moderately. Thank you so much. By the way, it has been ten months since I last purged.
-- Bonnie S., Boston, Massachusetts
Well Shelly, I told you I would write when I had one year in recovery and here I am. Who would have guessed. I have so much gratitude for you taking your time and referring me to a great facility. I knew from the moment I walked in there that I was in the right place. The next time I come by it will be to visit, not as a patient. You are absolutely the greatest.
-- Venessa C., Raleigh, North Carolina
Eating Disorders
Eating Disorder Treatment
Welcome to the Center for Healthy Living's Eating Disorder Resource Guide, your complete source for learning about eating disorders and the many treatments available. If you are suffering from an eating disorder, please call our nationally recognized toll-free helpline today at 1-800-941-5313. Find eating disorder treatment centers that can help you recover your health and reclaim your life. Caring professionals are standing by 24/7 to assist you and all calls are confidential.
Eating Disorders - Three Main Types
Whether you suffer from an eating disorder or have a loved one who does, you are not alone. At any given time, millions of people are living with eating disorders. These individuals, most often women between the ages of 14 and 35, are completely overwhelmed by thoughts about food, their bodies and weight.
Disordered eating can take on many forms, however there are three main types of eating disorders:
Anorexia nervosa - Anorexia is an eating disorder involving food restriction and self-starvation. Patients with anorexia typically weigh 15 percent less than the normal healthy weight expected in relation to their height. Up to 15% of people with anorexia die from complications of the condition.
Bulimia nervosa - Bulimia nervosa, often called bulimia for short, is an eating disorder in which an individual binge eats often thousands of calories in one sitting and then purges the food. Purging may involve vomiting, compulsive exercise, fasting or abuse of laxatives or diuretics. The binge-purge cycle may be repeated several times a week, or several times a day in the most serious cases. Bulimia has many serious physical and psychological complications.
Binge eating disorder - Binge eating disorder, often referred to as compulsive overeating or food addiction is when an individual is obsessed with thoughts relating to food as a means to cope with their feelings. People suffering from a binge eating disorder tend to binge on foods high in sugar and carbohydrates, which can lead to an array of medical and psychological consequences.
Eating Disorders Affect Both Women and Men
Many people believe that eating disorders affect only women; this is simply not the case. While it is true that the majority of individuals who enter eating disorder treatment for bulimia and anorexia are women, these eating disorders are in no way limited to this gender. Many men suffer from bulimia anorexia and binge eating disorder, but few actually enter eating disorder treatment.
Recovery from Eating Disorders is Possible!
Although many people with eating disorders struggle after completing treatment, many people who are treated early in the course of their eating disorder go on to lead happy, productive and healthy lives. The key to recovery is found in a person's willingness to "break" old habits and remain in an eating disorder treatment program long enough to restore healthy patterns of eating and resolve any underlying emotional issues.
