28 million people will suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime. Eating disorders are complex and can be due to a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, anxiety, body image dissatisfaction, or other environmental/social stressors. It is very important to note that eating disorders can affect all patients, regardless of weight. Individuals do not have to be “underweight” to be diagnosed with an eating disorder.

Treatment

Dr Ganesan provides compassionate, specialized, outpatient care for the treatment of eating disorders, disordered eating, and body dysmorphia. She will see patients up to age 26. She will ensure that her patients and their families are cared for and feel supported through every step of their recovery. Dr. Ganesan will collaborate with the rest of the patient’s health care team to develop an individualized treatment plan that fits the patient’s unique needs. She is a strong advocate of Health At Every Size, which is a weight-inclusive, non-dieting approach to health care. 

Dr. Ganesan offers:

  • Initial consultation is usually 90 minutes and includes an interview with family, confidential interview with patient, complete physical examination, and laboratory evaluation, if necessary. Dr. Ganesan will develop a treatment plan and make referrals to all appropriate specialists, therapists, and dietitians as needed. If patient has existing members of health care team, she will communicate with them at this time also.

  • Follow-up visits will be scheduled as needed and include a review of recovery process and further collaboration with treatment team.

  • If patient requires a higher level of care (HLOC), such as inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization (PHP) or intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment, Dr. Ganesan will facilitate and coordinate this transition, making it as smooth as possible. She will ask for regular updates from the treatment center while patient is in HLOC treatment.

  • She will also address various aspects of preventative care, by focusing on the physical, psychological, and social development of children, adolescents, and young adults.

  • Patients will maintain their relationship with their primary care provider for all medical needs not related to their eating disorder. Dr. Ganesan will strive to keep PCP updated on their eating disorder treatment as well.

  • All care is provided through a weight-inclusive, non-diet lens.

Common Eating Disorders &
Body Image Disorders

  • Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading individuals to restrict their food intake significantly. People with anorexia often engage in extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and other behaviors to achieve an unnaturally low body weight. The condition can have severe physical consequences of malnutrition as well as emotional and psychological symptoms including anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal.

  • Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder marked by binge eating and purging behaviors. Individuals consume large amounts of food in a short period, followed by behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse, or excessive exercise. The disorder can have serious health complications, including electrolyte imbalances and damage to the digestive system, as well as emotional symptoms such as shame, guilt, low self-esteem and depression.

  • ARFID is an eating disorder characterized by persistent and selective disturbance. This often results in limited food preferences, avoidance of certain textures or smells, and an unwillingness to try new foods. Their eating habits often lead to weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and impaired physical health. Unlike other eating disorders, individuals with ARFID do not necessarily have concerns about body weight or shape. ARFID can manifest in childhood and persist into adulthood, impacting social functioning and overall well-being.

  • Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is an eating disorder characterized by recurring episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period, accompanied by a sense of loss of control during the binge. Affected persons may use food as a way to cope with negative emotions or stress, temporarily relieved during the binge. However, after the episode, individuals can experience feelings of guilt, shame, or self-disgust. There are complex emotional and psychological factors involved that need to be explored, in order to develop better coping mechanisms and a healthy relationship with food.

  • Orthorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an obsessive and unhealthy focus on consuming only foods that the individual deems as "healthy" or "pure." People with orthorexia may rigidly adhere to strict dietary rules, leading to social isolation and impaired daily functioning. Orthorexia involves an extreme and pathological preoccupation with the quality and purity of food, often at the expense of overall well-being. Patients need to learn a more balanced approach to both diet and exercise.

  • RED-S is a syndrome that occurs when athletes are not getting enough nutrition to support their energy expenditure, which can lead to physiological and hormonal disruptions. It can result in a range of issues, including menstrual dysfunction, decreased bone density, impaired immune function, and disruptions in cardiovascular and metabolic health. RED-S is particularly prevalent in sports where low body weight or aesthetic appearance is emphasized, and its management involves addressing nutritional deficiencies and restoring a healthy energy balance.

  • BDD is a mental health condition characterized by a preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in one’s physical appearance, often minor or imagined. Patients with BDD may engage in repetitive behaviors, such as excessive grooming, checking mirrors, or seeking reassurance to alleviate their distress about their appearance. The disorder can significantly impair daily functioning and may lead to social withdrawal, depression, and anxiety.

  • Muscle Dysmorphia is a subtype of Body Dysmorphic Disorder characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with the idea that one’s body is inadequately muscular or insufficiently lean, often despite evidence to the contrary. Patients will often engage in excessive exercise, strict dietary regimens, and may abuse steroids or supplements. This condition, which primarily affects males, can lead to psychological distress, social distress, and may have potential health risks associated with extreme fitness behaviors.