An eating disorder is an illness where an individual has an unhealthy obsession with food, weight, and body image and engages in maladaptive behaviors to control caloric intake and weight. A person suffering from an eating disorder often has a distorted body image, seeing themself as “fat” no matter how emaciated the individual becomes.
You cannot always “see” an eating disorder; it is a silent killer. The individual may look perfectly healthy by all outward appearances. While eating disorders may begin with preoccupations with food and weight, they are often about much more than food. People with eating disorders may be reluctant to ask for help for various reasons, but help is available. LCL can provide initial counseling, assessment, peer support, and referrals to professionals and other resources.
Finding Treatment
These are some of the available treatment options in Minnesota, and their websites offer extensive information. Please keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive and does not indicate a recommendation.
Melrose Institute
https://www.healthpartners.com/care/specialty-centers/melrose-center/
The Melrose Institute provides outpatient, inpatient, and residential treatment
Emily Program
www.emilyprogram.com
The Emily Program offers outpatient and residential treatment. WithAll (Formerly The Emily Program Foundation) is an associated non-profit with a mission to “save lives, change minds, and work to eliminate eating disorders.” https://withall.org/
Water’s Edge Counseling & Healing Center
www.watersedgechc.com/
Water’s Edge Counseling & Healing Center provides outpatient treatment.
Select Eating Disorder Resources
ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, Inc.)
https://anad.org/
National Institute of Mental Health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders/index.shtml
Eating Disorder Hope
http://www.eatingdisorderhope.com
This organization offers education, support, and inspiration to eating disorder sufferers, their loved ones, and eating disorders treatment providers.
National Eating Disorders Association
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
This association is a non-profit advocating and supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders.
12-step Based Programs LCL does not recommend considering 12 step support without also pursuing professional treatment or therapy from an individual or organization that focuses on eating disorders.
Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous – https://aba12steps.org/
Compulsive Eaters Anonymous – HOW – https://www.ceahow.org/en/home/