Eating Disorders

Weight Loss Specialists & Obesity Medicine located in West Plano, TX and virtually serving patients throughout Texas

Eating Disorders services offered in West Plano, TX and virtually serving patients throughout Texas

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, or ANAD, approximately 28.8 million Americans suffer from some form of eating disorder in their lifetime. If you’re at this point, Ruby Shah, MD, and the team at Vitality Weight Loss and Wellness Institute in Texas, can help. Dr. Shah and her team provide excellent and personalized care to help you overcome your eating disorder for a healthier, happier life. To make an appointment with the practice, call the Plano office or request a consultation on the website.

Eating Disorders Q&A

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are problems that happen when you prioritize your food over other important parts of your life. They cause problems such as eating too little or exercising too much to burn off any food you eat.

An eating disorder is a behavioral problem that distorts your thoughts concerning food. They cause you to have distressed thoughts about eating and severe emotions.

These disorders are severe and can be life-threatening when they’re long-term and not appropriately treated. Eating disorders affect your life in many ways, including socially, physically, and psychologically.

What are the types of eating disorders?

There are several forms of eating disorders, each of which affects your mental and emotional health differently. The most common eating disorders include:

Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia is a condition where you starve yourself of food because you are obsessed with weight loss. With this disorder, you ignore your body’s cries for food and refuse to allow yourself to eat.

You may also exercise to the point of complete exhaustion with anorexia to ensure you don’t gain any weight from the tiny amount of food you may eat.

Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia is characterized by periods of intense binge eating, often close together, followed by forced vomiting to get rid of the food. With bulimia, you may also abuse laxatives or exercise incessantly to burn the calories brought on by binging episodes.

The binging and purging associated with bulimia takes over your life and becomes a constant cycle of eating and purging, causing intense physical and emotional distress.

Binge eating disorder

This disorder is similar to bulimia, except without purging or excessive exercise. When you have a binge eating disorder, you eat immense amounts of food within a short period, even when you’re uncomfortable and full.

However, you don’t feel the need to get rid of the food through vomiting but are often embarrassed and ashamed of your behavior.

How are eating disorders treated?

If you notice that food is ruling your life, the team at Vitality Weight Loss and Wellness Institute is here to help. You’ll receive personalized care and expert treatment from a variety of practitioners, including: