Introduction
Have you or a loved one ever felt consumed by thoughts of food, weight, or body image—so much so that eating becomes a source of guilt, fear, or shame? Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are not choices or diets gone wrong—they are complex mental health conditions that deeply affect a person's physical health, emotional stability, and self-worth.
While eating disorders are often hidden behind closed doors, their impact is visible in every aspect of life. From constant calorie counting and extreme food restrictions to secretive bingeing and purging cycles, these disorders cause immense distress and can become life-threatening without intervention.
At Dr. Mitali Soni Loya’s Psychiatry & De-addiction Clinic in Bhopal, we approach eating disorders with compassion and clinical expertise—treating the mind, the body, and the emotional pain beneath it all.
Symptoms to Watch for Eating Disorders:
Anorexia Nervosa
- Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming “fat,” despite being underweight
- Extreme restriction of food intake
- Distorted body image—seeing oneself as overweight even when thin
- Obsessive rituals around food (cutting food into tiny pieces, eating very slowly)
- Excessive exercise despite fatigue or injury
- Social withdrawal or avoidance of meals
- Physical signs: fatigue, thinning hair, dry skin, cold intolerance, amenorrhea (in females)
Bulimia Nervosa
- Recurrent episodes of binge eating—eating large amounts in a short time
- Compensatory behaviors like self-induced vomiting, fasting, laxative use, or over-exercising
- Feeling out of control during binge episodes
- Frequent visits to the bathroom after meals
- Damaged teeth or swollen cheeks due to vomiting
- Shame, secrecy, and anxiety around food
- Normal or fluctuating weight (bulimia may not cause visible thinness)
Eating disorders often co-occur with depression, anxiety, perfectionism, or obsessive-compulsive traits, making early recognition and comprehensive treatment critical.
Common Causes of Eating Disorders:
Psychological Triggers
- Low self-esteem or body dissatisfaction
- Perfectionist tendencies and fear of failure
- Difficulty expressing emotions or handling stress
- Trauma, bullying, or emotional neglect
Social Influences
- Pressure to look thin or meet unrealistic beauty standards
- Peer comparison on social media or within social circles
- Cultural stigmas surrounding body size or food habits
Biological Factors
- Family history of eating disorders, depression, or anxiety
- Imbalance in neurotransmitters affecting appetite, mood, and impulse control
These causes often overlap. Treating the disorder requires addressing both the behavior and the emotional roots behind it.
Treatment Process of Eating Disorders:
Step 1: Holistic Diagnostic Evaluation
We start with a comprehensive assessment—understanding your eating behaviors, emotional state, physical symptoms, and personal history. This includes weight monitoring, lab investigations (if needed), and mental health evaluation.
Result: Clear diagnosis and awareness of health risks
Best suited for: Individuals struggling with food obsession, guilt, or erratic eating behaviors
Step 2: Nutritional Rehabilitation
Working alongside a nutritionist (if required), we help develop a safe, structured eating plan focused on balanced nutrition and gradual recovery of physical health.
Result: Stabilized weight, restored energy, and improved immunity
Best suited for: Severely underweight patients or those with restrictive/binge cycles
Step 3: Psychotherapy for Root Cause Healing
Therapies such as CBT-E (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), or interpersonal therapy are used to explore emotional triggers, reshape thought patterns, and address negative body image.
Result: Reduced obsession with food, better emotional regulation, and increased self-worth
Best suited for: Patients struggling with perfectionism, trauma, or anxiety
Step 4: Family and Peer Support
Families are educated about eating disorders and involved in recovery. Peer support and group therapy may also be introduced to reduce isolation.
Result: Improved home environment and long-term recovery support
Best suited for: Adolescents, students, or those living with caregivers
What to Expect Before and After Treatment?
Before Treatment
Many people living with eating disorders feel overwhelmed by guilt, secrecy, and a sense of being “out of control.” Social events, family meals, or even grocery shopping can provoke anxiety. The body suffers silently, and trust in oneself is often lost.
After Treatment Begins
Patients begin reconnecting with their body in a healthier way. Food becomes nourishment—not punishment. Emotional support, improved self-image, and structured eating gradually bring a sense of balance, self-compassion, and freedom from constant fear.
Benefits of Treatment of Eating Disorders:
- Restored physical health and normalized weight
- Healthier relationship with food and body image
- Reduced anxiety, guilt, and self-criticism
- Improved mood, energy, and concentration
- Enhanced self-esteem and confidence
- Prevention of long-term medical complications (heart issues, infertility, bone loss)
- Support system to prevent relapse and ensure long-term recovery
Lifestyle Tips
- Practice mindful eating—focus on how food makes you feel, not just how it looks or counts
- Avoid social media accounts promoting unrealistic body standards
- Journal emotional triggers and eating habits to increase self-awareness
- Join support groups or talk to peers in recovery
- Establish regular meals/snack routines—even when appetite is low
- Engage in joyful movement, not punishment-based workouts
- Be kind to your body—don’t weigh or measure yourself obsessively
These tips support therapy and help prevent relapse by encouraging positive coping mechanisms and self-care.
What Makes Our Approach Different:
We don’t just treat the symptoms of eating disorders—we listen to the pain underneath. At Dr. Mitali Soni Loya’s clinic, each patient is treated with empathy, without judgment or pressure. We believe in gentle guidance, not forced feeding or shame. With a safe space to speak and recover, we help you regain trust in food, your body, and yourself.
Journey with Dr. Mitali Soni Loya’s Psychiatry & De-addiction Clinic:
Consultation
You’re welcomed into a judgment-free space where your struggles with eating are discussed with compassion. We go beyond the surface to understand what you feel, not just what you eat.
Pre-preparation
We explain every step of the treatment process and involve you in creating a personalized plan. You’re never forced—you’re empowered.
Treatment
Therapy sessions, nutritional guidance, and supportive follow-ups are offered consistently. Emotional wins are celebrated as much as physical recovery.
Why choose us?
- Special focus on eating disorders and body image issues
- Personalized therapy with gradual healing at your pace
- Non-clinical, safe environment for adolescents and adults
- Deep emphasis on root-cause healing, not just food plans
- Support for both patient and family throughout recovery
Book Your Appointment with Dr. Mitali:
If food, weight, or guilt are taking over your life, help is available. Start your recovery journey today at Dr. Mitali Soni Loya’s Psychiatry & De-addiction Clinic in Bhopal.
📞 +91 88174 75079
📍 10 Ramanand Nagar, Near Lalghati Square, Bhopal, M.P. – 462023
FAQs
Q. Is eating disorder treatment only for underweight individuals?
No. Eating disorders can affect people of all sizes. Even those with normal or high weight can struggle with anorexia or bulimia.
Q. Can I recover without therapy?
While self-awareness is important, recovery is safest and most effective with professional support and structured care.
Q. Will I have to gain weight quickly?
No. Weight restoration, if needed, is done gradually and in a supportive way, not forcefully.
Q. Is this condition permanent?
With timely treatment, full recovery is possible. Many patients go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
Q. Will my sessions be private?
Absolutely. All consultations and therapies are confidential, respectful, and patient-centered.