With the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, with the exception of opioid overdose, eating disorders affect over 30 million Americans, and they do not discriminate. They affect people of all races, ethnic groups, ages, genders, and body sizes. They are very serious mental illnesses that manifest into physical ones and represent a complex interplay between environment, personality, and genetics. The most common eating disorders in the U.S are binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa. However, there are numerous categories and types of eating disorders out there, and although very serious illnesses, they are very treatable.

Eating disorders can have severe and chronic consequences that last a lifetime. Despite the variety, all types of eating disorders share behaviors that can cause gastrointestinal disease, cardiovascular disease, bone and tissue damage, and multiorgan system failure. But with thorough and comprehensive treatment, these can be avoided! Physical therapy can help with the recovery process.

Physical therapists are movement and health experts; they are most knowledgeable on the prescription of exercise for various conditions. We determine what muscles and joints are affected and how it contributes to your overall movement, or your activities and hobbies. We prescribe exercises to improve your strength, flexibility, and movement to get you back to the things you want to do.  As Doctors of Physical Therapy, we have proven ourselves to be very effective and successful in treating various limitations and pains, often due to surgical procedures, neurological and cardiac conditions, and just everyday life.

Those with eating disorders may have poor body awareness during physical activity and physical therapists have a key role in providing education about correct exercise dosing, stress management, and can help strengthen musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems to prevent further health consequences.

Physical therapists are not the lead medical professional in treating eating disorders, however, they can play a very critical role in treatment. Research suggests an early diagnosis and interprofessional approach is the most successful in treating eating disorders and preventing further negative health consequences. A physical therapist can work alongside a physician and a psychiatrist to establish a preventive and holistic exercise plan. They have the ability to follow a client until healthier habits, both physically and mentally, are established.

If you are battling an eating disorder or have concerns about your relationship with food, please know you are not alone. It is never too late to seek assistance. Please contact your physician and/or psychiatrist and have a conversation with your physical therapist.

Visit National Eating Disorders, NEDA, for more information.

Amanda Nguyen, DPT and Alexa Altland, DPT