This information provided as reference material only. This site should not be relied upon as a comprehensive guide for treating eating disorders.
Addressing Eating Disorders as a Physician - A "Twelve Step" Program
Complied and Written by Margo Maine, PhD
Printable Version [Microsoft Word]
- Admit the problem. Sizeism, weightism, "ideal thinness", and an unattainable standard of beauty exist in:
- Our culture
- Your patients
- You(?)
- Ask Questions about weight, menstrual, and dieting history:
- A patient's usual weight
- Weight fluctuations
- Menstrual fluctuations (in female patients)
- Dieting
- Other behaviors being used to change weight
- Convey the importance of adequate nutritional intake, especially:
- Calcium
- Protein
- Adequate fat
- Balance (the food pyramid)
- Do not overemphasize weight as an indicator of general health.
- Understand and explain to patients the set point theory
- Be concerned about amenorrhea
- Educate patients and staff about the dangers of dieting
- Sets up a "binge"
- Decreases BMR
- Makes it easier to store fat
- Impairs physical, psychological, and emotional functioning
- Maintain a weight sensitive office
- No jokes about eating disorders
- Privacy when weighing patients/no weighing in public location
- Respect client's feelings
- Provide educational materials about appropriate nutrition and eating disorders.
- Bring up your concerns directly to patient.
- Confront or Carefront? Present concerns in a sensitive and caring way
- Know local and national resources for treatment
- Respect the power of the illness
- Establish an appropriate treatment plan
- Collaborate with mental health specialists
- Hang in there -- your support and concerns are important
