If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, we are here to help. Reach out to us today to discuss comprehensive treatment options.
Those with an addiction are at an increased risk of developing an eating disorder. This link is something our team of medical professionals have experience in treating successfully at Asana Lodge, as we tailor each and every treatment plan to address the unique needs of the patient, determined on a case-by-case basis.
Based in Towcester in the Northamptonshire countryside, our luxury treatment centre is a space where clients can rest, reset and recover. Our understanding and compassionate team use evidence-based therapies to assist in the treatment of eating disorders, and we also offer an on-site chef who focuses on creating highly nutritious meals as part of every client’s recovery.
At Asana Lodge, we recognise that our patients have deeply unique and personal experiences and needs. We go beyond addressing their physical symptoms by focusing on assisting individuals with eating disorders in understanding the root causes of their condition. Our goal is to empower them to overcome the disorder and prevent future relapses over the long term.
Identifying An Eating Disorder
At Asana Lodge, our many years of experience, combined with our expertise in these particular types of mental health conditions, mean that we are able to treat a broad range of eating disorders.
Anorexia and bulimia are among the most common diagnoses we see, but we also work with those who are struggling to cope with binge eating disorder, along with those with other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED), which accounts for about 50% of people seeking eating disorder treatment.
Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED), also known as EDNOS (eating disorder not otherwise specified), can involve many aspects of different types of eating disorders, meaning that those who fit the criteria of multiple defined eating disorders often have a more difficult time obtaining a formal diagnosis.
What are the Key Indications of Eating Disorders, and Who Can Be Affected?
It can be difficult for those with an eating disorder to admit they have a problem, as they often don’t see their body the same way that you do. That’s why if you suspect an eating disorder in a loved one, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible.
Eating disorders are often associated with young women, and while they most commonly begin in adolescence, there are increasing numbers of people being diagnosed in later life. There has also been a rise in the number of men being diagnosed, with many experts blaming the pressures of social media and popular culture. In recent times, this is becoming increasingly more common – with 1 in 4 men being diagnosed with some form of eating disorder.
It’s often loved ones who first notice there may be a problem with someone’s eating, whether it’s a sudden weight loss or gain, obsession with food, worsening mental illness or low self-esteem. Key indications will depend on the specific type of eating disorder, however, signs may include (but are not limited to):
- Skipping meals, missing arrangements that involve consuming food or avoiding eating in front of anyone.
- Spending more time alone and withdrawing from friends, family and activities that once brought joy.
- They may only wear baggy clothing or thick layers of clothing, even in warm weather conditions.
- You may notice overly defensive behaviour over their appearance, or self-degrading comments (e.g. calling themselves ‘fat’).
- Consuming weight loss medications, laxatives, or other diuretics.
- Excessively strict and obsessive over exercise routines.
- You may notice signs of ritualistic behaviour before, during and/or after meal times (e.g. only eating foods prepared a specific way, at a certain time, in a certain place).
- There may be specific patterns of behaviour that occur consistently (e.g. going to the bathroom after mealtimes).
Undergoing Eating Disorder Treatment
Eating disorder treatment at Asana Lodge isn’t just about helping a client gain weight, or just teaching them about healthy eating, although these goals may be part of their treatment plan. When you stay with us, you undergo intensive therapy that can help you uncover the root of your issues, as well as your triggers and the impact that the condition is having on you. This is an essential part of treating eating disorders, as it helps you gain control and avoid relapses in future.
The type of treatment you undergo will depend on your specific needs, but is likely to include:
- Individual therapy sessions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Group therapy with other clients
- Satori Chair Therapy
- Virtual Reality Therapy
- Creative Art Therapy
- Intravenous Nutritional Therapies
- Family therapy
- Nutritional advice
- Complementary and alternative therapies
When you arrive at Asana Lodge, we’ll carry out a full assessment of your health, discussing both the physical and any mental health conditions you might be suffering from, which will allow you to get a treatment plan to suit you.
Choosing Residential Treatment
At a residential treatment facility, the holistic care approach envelops the individual in an environment purposefully designed for healing. A multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals is always present, providing personalised care for your loved one. This constant support ensures that they stay on the path towards recovery, effectively navigating the highs and lows that are likely to accompany this journey.
One of the many benefits of residential treatment includes structured and facilitated meals, meticulously planned by nutritionists and dieticians. These meals are not just about getting the right nutrients – they are a means to reshape the relationship between the individual and food, helping to nurture healthier habits in a controlled setting. Under the watchful supervision of professionals, harmful behaviours such as purging, misuse of laxatives, or excessive exercising become more challenging to continue.
It’s essential to understand that eating disorders can often strain the home environment. They can induce negative behavioural cycles and put immense pressure on relationships. A residential treatment facility provides a sanctuary away from these triggers. Here, the individual can focus on their healing journey without the distractions and stresses of daily life, allowing them and their families a much-needed respite.
As a loved one, the complexities of eating disorders may leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how best to provide support. That’s where inclusive family therapy sessions in residential treatment centres can often be invaluable. These sessions are not only a forum for open conversations but also an opportunity to learn, understand, and grow. They empower you with knowledge about the disorder, strategies to support your loved one, and guidance to navigate your own feelings and fears.
We understand that the decision to choose residential treatment is fraught with emotions and uncertainty. However, remember that you are not alone in this. The professional team at a residential treatment centre is there to guide you and your loved one every step of the way, illuminating the path towards recovery with compassion and understanding. Let the journey begin, secure in the knowledge that your loved one is enveloped in an atmosphere of care, understanding, and, most importantly, hope.
Recovery Outcomes For Eating Disorders
With the right programme, tailored to the individual, eating disorder treatment can often have an excellent outcome. Many of those struggling to cope with some form of eating disorder are able to change their eating habits for life, and by learning their triggers and relapse signs, they can keep on the right track.
We are fully aware that the challenges associated with eating disorders do not vanish entirely after treatment. Recovery is typically a continuous journey that necessitates consistent effort to stay on the right path. At Asana Lodge, we offer all individuals who receive inpatient treatment a comprehensive secondary treatment programme. This aftercare package is free of charge, providing much-needed support for a year after their stay.
Seeking Help at Asana Lodge
Choosing residential treatment for a loved one grappling with an eating disorder can feel like a really tough decision to make. But remember, professional support from a team that focuses on compassion, dignity, and respect is the path to recovery. Our residential treatment centre provides comprehensive care, a supportive, peaceful environment, and professional expertise, which are all essential components in the fight against eating disorders.
It can be difficult to encourage those with an eating disorder to seek treatment, so you may need our professionals to help you stage an intervention. Once your loved one has agreed to seek help, the last thing you want is a long wait for help, which is why you might want to consider a stay at Asana Lodge.
You can self-refer and get a place in a matter of hours, and we’ll even take care of arrangements such as transport, ensuring that the client has nothing to worry about and can focus on their treatment. Delaying treatment can often lead to a worsening disorder, put further strain on the body, and can even be fatal, which is why so many people seek private treatment programmes.
If you or a loved one are seeking eating disorder treatment, then speak to the team at Asana Lodge today to find out whether our treatment programmes are right for you. Simply call us on 01908 489 421 or e-mail enquiries@asanalodge.co.uk, and we’ll get in touch with you to discuss treatment options.
