Eating Disorder Treatment in Prescott, Arizona

Associating Eating Disorders in Men

In severe cases, we have encountered men with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and other forms of eating disorders as well as men who use steroids. We have found that addressing issues with food and body image, along with balanced nutrition, can be crucial to a healthy recovery. Hearing the term “Eating Disorder” most typically don’t associate the condition with males.

Opioid risk tool © dr Webster

Eating disorders collage
Take The Eating Disorder Self-Assessment Test

Most tend to think of are a teen or young adult females, models, actresses, and the like, but almost never associate these same problems with the male demographic. However, this is a societal perception and not one that is based on fact.

Binge Eating

Among those affected with binge-eating disorder, an estimated 35-percent are men, which means that societal perceptions are not only inaccurate but could be grossly misrepresenting over a third of all binge eating disorder cases which could lead to large populations of eating disorder cases that are in desperate need of help.

What is BED (Binge Eating Disorder)?

Binge eating disorder affects an estimated 3 percent of all adults in the United States. As stated above, 35 percent of those cases affect the male population. Binge eating disorder involves eating an abnormal amount of food in one sitting, and typically involves a feeling of powerlessness while doing it. While binge eating occurs in another eating disorder— bulimia nervosa— the two aren’t always related, as bulimia nervosa usually involves a purge of the food afterward through self-induced vomiting, laxatives, strenuous exercise, or the use of diuretics both natural and synthesized. Binge eating disorder doesn’t typically involve the purge of the food afterward.

What are the causes of an eating disorder?

The official stance from the United States Department of Health and Human Services is that the cause of BED is unknown. On a genetic level, studies of people with other eating disorders, such as anorexia and/or bulimia have shown a link to a specific chromosome that could be responsible for the disorder. In 2006, a study led by the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, estimated that 56 percent of the responsibility for eating for developing anorexia nervosa – another eating disorder – is determined through genetics. While we’re still unsure of the exact cause, a genetic link between those with BED is at least plausible.

Beyond the genetic connection, binge eating disorder and many other eating disorders are also tied back to underlying environmental and psychological factors. Pre-existing depression, anxiety, or other mental conditions can manifest themselves into binge eating behavior while environmental factors can play a large role here as well.

How is it Dangerous

Binge eating disorder is an exhaustive behavior that is responsible for a diminished state of mental well-being that proves disruptive and difficult to gain control of without help. As far as physical complications, the heavy caloric load leads to men gaining excess weight, which brings with it a whole host of physical conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, and others. If binge eating is coupled with purging, physical complications include damage to the esophagus, electrolyte imbalances, and severe dehydration

While the chronic conditions caused by unhealthy eating are substantial, the toll it takes on outward appearance and mobility can often prove to be just as difficult to manage. Substantial changes in nutritional intake for an individual’s body can lead to limited mobility and strain on the body’s internal systems. Mental health is often an underlying factor. Although Binge eating disorder may be a behavior caused by stress, anxiety, or depression, binge eating can add to this strain by perpetuating negative thoughts about body-image and self.

Does Eating Disorder Affect Men Differently?

While the negative consequences of eating disorders are numerous, men and women are sometimes affected differently. For one, the disorder tends to start from a desire to be lean or muscular as opposed to just being skinny, as is the motivation for most women. In addition, men are also less likely to seek treatment as they tend to exercise excessively which could put additional stress on their heart and joints if there is a nutritional imbalance in the body. The actual food that is consumed will have varying effects on the male body as well. Binging on foods like carbohydrates which break down to sugars within the body can lead to elevated glucose and insulin levels which often have detrimental or dangerous effects on the kidneys and liver. Conversely, when these instances of binging are paired with purging, the body receives no nutritional value at all which adversely effects the individual’s well-being.

Get The Help You Need to Recover From Your Eating Disorder

An eating disorder is a serious mental health condition characterized by a persistent disturbance in eating patterns and a preoccupation with food, weight, and body image. Common types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

Eating disorder treatment aims to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of disordered eating behaviors. It typically involves a comprehensive approach that includes medical, nutritional, and therapeutic interventions.

Finding effective treatment for eating disorders is crucial for individuals struggling with these complex conditions. If you or someone you know is seeking eating disorder treatment in Prescott, Arizona, contact Prescott House.

An eating disorder is a serious mental health condition characterized by a persistent disturbance in eating patterns and a preoccupation with food, weight, and body image. Common types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. 

Key Points to Know About Eating Disorders

Here are some key points to understand about eating disorders:

Signs and Symptoms

Eating disorders manifest in various ways, but common signs and symptoms include restrictive eating, excessive exercise, self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics, preoccupation with food or calories, distorted body image, intense fear of weight gain, and significant changes in weight.

Physical and Psychological Impact

Eating disorders can have severe physical and psychological consequences. They can lead to malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, hormonal disturbances, gastrointestinal problems, weakened immune system, cardiac issues, osteoporosis, depression, anxiety, and social isolation. If left untreated, eating disorders can be life-threatening.

Causes and Risk Factors

Eating disorders are complex conditions influenced by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Factors such as genetics, societal pressures, body dissatisfaction, perfectionism, low self-esteem, traumatic experiences, and family dynamics can contribute to the development of eating disorders.

Treatment Approach

Effective treatment for eating disorders involves a multidisciplinary approach tailored to the individual’s specific needs. It typically includes a combination of medical, nutritional, and psychological interventions.

Medical Management

Medical professionals monitor physical health, address complications, and manage any medical issues related to the eating disorder.

Nutritional Counseling

Registered dietitians or nutritionists help individuals establish regular eating patterns, develop a healthy relationship with food, and achieve balanced nutrition.

Psychotherapy

Different forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), are used to address underlying psychological factors, challenge distorted thoughts and beliefs, develop coping skills, and improve body image and self-esteem.

Group Therapy

Group therapy provides support, encouragement, and a sense of community by allowing individuals to connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges.

Family Involvement

In cases involving adolescents, family-based therapy may be recommended, involving the family in the treatment process to provide support and help facilitate recovery.

Medication

In some instances, medication may be prescribed to address co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety.

Long-Term Recovery

Eating disorder recovery is a journey that requires ongoing support and commitment. It involves learning healthy coping mechanisms, developing a positive body image, cultivating self-compassion, and maintaining a balanced approach to food and exercise.

Eating Disorder Treatment for Men in Prescott, Arizona

Nutritional Support

Individuals attend six nutrition education workshops in the first six weeks of their stay at Prescott House. The workshops include the of topics: meal planning, label reading, nutrition and recovery, hypoglycemia, eating disorders and disordered eating, and grocery shopping.

Individuals will also meet individually with the nutrition counselor within their first couple weeks to be assessed on their food habits and to be screened for eating disorder/disordered eating issues. Receiving ongoing support with meal planning, shopping skills, and cooking skills as needed with an emphasis placed on helping the each individual form healthy relationships with food.

7 Key Components of Eating Disorder Treatment

Medical Assessment and Stabilization

Upon seeking treatment, a thorough medical assessment is conducted to evaluate the individual’s overall health, including any medical complications resulting from the eating disorder. Medical professionals monitor and manage any immediate health concerns, such as malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, or organ dysfunction.

Nutritional Counseling and Meal Planning

Registered dietitians or nutritionists work closely with individuals to develop a balanced meal plan that supports nutritional rehabilitation and normalizes eating patterns. They provide education about proper nutrition, meal timing, portion sizes, and strategies to address fears or anxieties around food.

Psychotherapy and Counseling

Various forms of therapy are utilized to address the psychological and emotional aspects of eating disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and family-based therapy (FBT) are commonly used. These therapies help individuals challenge and modify distorted thoughts and beliefs related to food, body image, and self-esteem, as well as address underlying emotional and interpersonal issues.

Supportive Group Therapy

Group therapy provides individuals with a supportive environment where they can share experiences, gain insights, and receive encouragement from peers who understand their struggles. Support groups led by trained professionals or participation in self-help groups like Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA) or support groups offered by organizations such as the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) can be beneficial.

Medication

In some cases, medication may be prescribed to address co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Psychiatric evaluation and medication management are typically provided by qualified psychiatrists or prescribing physicians in conjunction with the overall treatment plan.

Body Image and Self-Esteem Work

Therapy often includes addressing body image concerns and promoting self-acceptance and self-worth beyond appearance. Techniques such as body image exposure and response prevention (ERP) or body acceptance exercises may be incorporated to help individuals develop a healthier relationship with their bodies.

Relapse Prevention and Aftercare Planning

As individuals progress in their recovery, relapse prevention strategies are emphasized to help them maintain their progress and manage potential setbacks. Aftercare planning involves developing a personalized plan that includes ongoing support, therapy, and strategies for managing triggers and stressors after the completion of formal treatment.

Call Now ButtonClick to CallCONTACT US