Eating disorders are among the most misunderstood—and most dangerous—mental health conditions. Often hidden behind shame, secrecy, or denial, these disorders can take a serious toll on a person’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. At Solace Treatment Center, we believe that compassionate, evidence-based care can help individuals find freedom from the behaviors and beliefs that keep them stuck.

This blog post explores the signs of eating disorders, the risks they pose, and how eating disorder treatment can offer a path to real recovery.

What Are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are not just about food. They’re complex mental health conditions that often involve deep emotional pain, low self-esteem, control issues, perfectionism, and anxiety. The most well-known types include:

• Anorexia nervosa – extreme food restriction and weight loss

• Bulimia nervosa – cycles of binge eating followed by purging

• Binge eating disorder – frequent episodes of eating large amounts of food without purging

• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) – extreme picky eating not tied to weight concerns

• Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) – disordered behaviors that don’t fit a specific diagnosis but are still serious

Anyone—regardless of age, gender, or body size—can develop an eating disorder. And while the symptoms may look different, the impact is equally serious.

Common Signs of an Eating Disorder

Eating disorders can be hard to detect at first, especially if the person is trying to hide their behavior. But some signs to look for include:

• Preoccupation with food, calories, body weight, or appearance

• Frequent dieting or skipping meals

• Withdrawal from social events involving food

• Eating in secret or feeling out of control while eating

• Excessive exercise or rigid routines around food

• Dramatic weight loss or gain

• Gastrointestinal complaints or fatigue

• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression

• Use of laxatives, diuretics, or self-induced vomiting

Not every person will show all of these signs, but even a few can be cause for concern. Early intervention makes a big difference, and eating disorder treatment works best when started sooner rather than later.

The Risks of Untreated Eating Disorders

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder. That’s not just because of the physical effects—it’s also due to the high rate of co-occurring conditions like depression, substance use, and suicidal thoughts.

Some of the physical risks include:

• Heart issues, including arrhythmia and heart failure

• Gastrointestinal complications

• Bone density loss and muscle deterioration

• Electrolyte imbalances

• Malnutrition and dehydration

• Fertility problems

• Organ damage or failure

These effects are serious—but they’re also treatable. At Solace Treatment Center, we provide integrated care that addresses both the body and the mind.

What Does Eating Disorder Treatment Involve?

Effective eating disorder treatment isn’t just about helping someone eat more or less. It’s about addressing the root causes of the disorder and helping individuals build new, sustainable ways to relate to food, body image, and emotions.

A comprehensive treatment plan may include:

• Medical monitoring to address malnutrition and physical complications

• Therapy (individual, group, and family-based) to explore underlying issues

• Nutrition counseling to create a balanced, flexible relationship with food

• Medication when appropriate, especially for anxiety, depression, or OCD

• Support groups to connect with others on the recovery journey

We also offer trauma-informed care for those whose eating disorder may be connected to past abuse, neglect, or emotional pain.

Co-Occurring Disorders: When Eating Disorders Overlap

Eating disorders frequently coexist with other mental health conditions, including:

• Anxiety disorders

• Major depressive disorder

• PTSD

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Substance use disorders

When these conditions are present, treatment must address them together. At Solace Treatment Center, our integrated approach ensures that eating disorder treatment doesn’t happen in isolation. We look at the full picture to promote lasting healing.

Recovery Is Possible

Recovery from an eating disorder is not just about weight restoration—it’s about reclaiming your life. Many people in recovery describe feeling more mentally clear, emotionally stable, and spiritually grounded than they ever did in the depths of their disorder.

The process takes time, support, and a willingness to face discomfort. But with the right help, individuals can:

• Develop a peaceful relationship with food

• Learn to regulate emotions in healthy ways

• Rebuild body image and self-worth

• Repair relationships affected by the disorder

• Create a future not ruled by fear or shame

If you or a loved one are struggling, know this: you’re not broken, and you’re not alone. Help is available—and it works.

How Solace Treatment Center Can Help

At Solace Treatment Center, we provide personalized eating disorder treatment that focuses on the whole person. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your relationship with food or have been battling for years, we’re here to support you with:

• Licensed therapists who specialize in eating disorders

• Individualized care plans and nutrition support

• Coordination with medical professionals and dietitians

• A compassionate, nonjudgmental space to heal

We believe everyone deserves freedom from the pain of disordered eating—and we’ll walk with you every step of the way.

📞 Reach out today via call or live chat at www.solacetreatmentcenter.com to speak with someone who understands.