ADHD and Eating Disorders

ADHD and Eating Disorders Treatment and Nutrition Therapy in the St. Louis Area, Missouri, and Illinois

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Provide Counseling for Patients with ADHD struggling with Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge-Eating Disorder, and Disordered Eating.

Why do people with ADHD struggle with eating?

People with ADHD can have a complex relationship with food. This is primarily because of impulsivity, sensory sensitivity, hyperactivity, and distractibility. Addressing these issues with a registered dietitian can give the needed guidance for the parent or individual struggling. As dietitians, and experts in the intersection of ADHD and eating disorders, we can offer ideas for structured meal times and create a supportive eating environment.

We provide online and in-person nutrition counseling as well as family-based treatment to give support to families, parents, and caregivers of those struggling with ADHD and eating disorders. Our outpatient eating disorder treatment program and recovery coaching can keep you or your loved one on track to healing and sustained recovery.

Schedule (Missouri Residents)

Schedule (Illinois Residents)

Is there a link between ADHD and eating disorders?

While the dynamic between these two behaviors can be multifaceted, there is certainly a link between the two. Research has shown that ADHD is most commonly linked to bulimia and binge eating disorder. Keep in mind that not everyone with ADHD will develop disordered eating behaviors; however, they are more at risk.

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What are the most common eating disorders with ADHD?

The most common eating disorders with ADHD are binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa

Binge Eating Disorder: This is a complex, serious disorder characterized by feeling out of control when eating and consuming much larger quantities of food than usual.
Bulimia Nervosa: This is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food over a short period of time (bingeing) and unhealthy compensatory behaviors.

The symptoms between ADHD and these disorders tend to overlap. This can include low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, genetic and environmental factors as well as body image concerns.

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What can nutrition therapy do for ADHD and eating disorders?

Meeting with a registered dietitian who specializes in these two disorders can assist in navigating underlying nutritional factors that may be present. Medical nutrition therapy includes:

Assessing dietary patterns.
Assessing nutritional status.
Developing personalized meal plans to support overall health.
Educating on the importance of balanced nutrition for managing ADHD symptoms.
Identifying how medication might be affecting wellness, gut health, and the relationship with food.
Providing strategies for meal planning and preparation.
Collaborating with the healthcare team to address underlying nutritional deficiencies or imbalances.

A dietitian within our practice can help with recommendations that offer a balanced diet without feeling restricted, working to regulate blood sugar levels, and identify food sensitivities.

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Our Team of Dietitian Nutritionists in the Greater St. Louis Area

Branz Nutrition Counseling is a team of certified eating disorder dietitians who provide compassionate care to those struggling with their relationship to food. Our approach is weight-inclusive, LGBTQIA+, and social justice-oriented, which means that we believe that everyone deserves access to quality care.

We can’t wait to meet you!

With locations in Illinois and Missouri, we offer both virtual and in-person counseling sessions. And, we are licensed to provide Telehealth nutrition therapy to patients around the country.

We see clients in person in the St. Louis area, Missouri, Illinois, and from around the country via Telehealth. Learn more here.

Erica Branz

MS, RDN, LDN, CEDS

Founder and Registered Dietitian
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Brianna Becherer

MS, RDN, LDN, CPT

Registered Dietitian
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Gwendoline Balto

MS, RDN, LDN

Registered Dietitian
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Laura Bradfield

RDN, LDN

Registered Dietitian
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Kelly Houston

MS, RDN, LDN, CLC

Registered Dietitian
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Michelle Wilson

MS, RDN, LDN, CEDS-C, CIEC

Registered Dietitian
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Scroll to see the whole team.

How It Works – An Easy Three-Step Process to Get You on the Road to Recovery

Make An Appointment

What service do you need? We offer a range of appointments of different durations to best fit your needs.

Meet with your Personal Dietitian

Be paired with the dietitian nutritionist on our team and get continued support with one of our online groups. One-on-one counseling, in-person, or virtual. WE TAKE INSURANCE!

Take Control of Your Life

Heal your relationship with food and your body. Choose the best foods for your unique needs. Get the tools you need to live a healthy life. Receive continued support.

Schedule for Missouri Residents

Schedule for Illinois Residents

Note: In order to secure a spot on a dietitian’s schedule, we need a valid payment method on file.

Our Testimonials

Thank you for choosing us as the Best Dietitian Practice in STL (2023)

There have been times where my daughter will eat 4 bowls of carrots and turn down a cookie, and there have been times where she will want all the fruit snacks and nothing else, but it doesn’t stress me out because I know now that it’s just what her body wants in the moment. The information provided in your course not only helps my kids, but also opened my eyes to some of my own internal struggles around sugar and meal times!"
My sister Gifted this program to me and I'm so glad she did! I've already gotten so much out of watching the modules and reading the PDFs."
Understanding and implementing the Division of Responsibility in Feeding really takes the pressure off meal times. I love sitting down to enjoy dinner with my family and I hope it’s a memory my kids enjoy when they’re older too."
Also, againg, thank you for being so kind to "A". She usually does not like seeing "doctor like people", but she actually enjoys coming to see you, so that says a lot.
by Mother of a Patient, Saint Louis, MO
I can't thank you enough for all you have done for us. I know we will continue to deal with food issues but at least I see hope. I honestly don't know how L(or myself) could have got through the past year without you. You literally are a lifesaver!! You are an amazing dietitian!!.
by Mother of a Patient
Thank you for the caring devoted service and gentle compassion you have shown "S" over the years.
by Mother of a Patient, Saint Louis, MO
I am truly grateful we found you to be he nutritionist. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
by Mother of a Patient, Saint Louis, MO
"For most of my life, I have correlated the size of my body to being loved and accepted. The smaller I am, the more lovable and acceptable I am. Giving up the dieting, the rules, and the noise has given me the freedom to trust, appreciate and accept love from others as well as myself".
by
I truly appreciate the encouragement and hearfelt, genuine concern you have for me. Your counsel and empathy have meant a great deal and helped keep me going during difficult times.
by C, Saint Louis, MO
Thanks for helping me think about food differently and providing guidance regarding how to select carbs. Also, thanks for helping me recognize that the evolution would take several months to come to a 'new normal'.
by E, Saint Louis, MO