Eating Disorders and Weight Management

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that involve unhealthy relationships with food, body image, and weight. They can significantly impact both physical health and emotional well-being. Effective treatment requires a comprehensive approach that addresses underlying psychological factors, nutritional needs, and long-term strategies for recovery.

Dr. Marc Heiser specializes in diagnosing and treating eating disorders with compassionate, evidence-based care, focusing on both mental and physical health. His personalized treatment plans aim to restore healthy eating patterns, improve self-esteem, and support sustainable weight management.

Common Types of Eating Disorders Treated

Dr. Heiser provides expert care for a range of eating disorders, including:

• Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by extreme food restriction, intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted body image.
• Bulimia Nervosa: Involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use.
• Binge Eating Disorder: Recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort, followed by feelings of guilt or shame.
• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Limited food intake due to sensory sensitivities or fear of negative consequences, without body image concerns.
• Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED): Symptoms that do not fit the criteria for specific disorders but still cause significant distress.

Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can present with a variety of symptoms, such as:

• Preoccupation with weight, calories, or dieting.
• Frequent checking of body weight or appearance.
• Avoiding meals or eating in secret.
• Intense fear of gaining weight despite being underweight.
• Feelings of guilt, shame, or loss of control around food.
• Physical symptoms: Such as fatigue, dizziness, gastrointestinal issues, or menstrual irregularities.

If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, seeking professional help can be a crucial step toward recovery.

Comprehensive Evaluation and Diagnosis

Effective treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Heiser’s evaluation process includes:

• Clinical Interviews: To assess symptoms, eating patterns, and the impact on daily life.
• Standardized Assessments: Tools such as the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) to determine the severity of symptoms.
• Medical and Nutritional History: Collaboration with dietitians to assess health risks and nutritional needs.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Dr. Heiser develops individualized treatment plans that may include:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): To address negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focused on emotional regulation and managing distress without resorting to harmful behaviors.
• Family-Based Therapy (FBT): For adolescents, involving family members in the recovery process.
• Medication Management: Prescribing antidepressants or other medications to address co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression.
• Nutritional Counseling: Coordinated care with dietitians to establish balanced eating habits.

Weight Management Support

For patients dealing with weight management challenges without a diagnosable eating disorder, Dr. Heiser offers:

• Behavioral Interventions: Strategies to develop healthier eating habits and physical activity routines.
• Mindful Eating Techniques: Encouraging awareness and control over eating behaviors.
• Stress Management: Addressing emotional triggers that lead to overeating.

Innovative Treatment Options

For patients with severe or treatment-resistant symptoms, Dr. Heiser offers advanced options such as:

• Ketamine Therapy: An emerging treatment that may help manage severe anxiety or depression associated with eating disorders.

Ongoing Support and Care

Recovery from eating disorders is an ongoing process that requires consistent support and monitoring. Dr. Heiser works closely with patients to adjust treatment plans, track progress, and provide tools for maintaining healthy behaviors long-term.

If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder or weight management issues, help is available. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with Dr. Marc Heiser and begin your path to recovery and improved well-being.

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