In Adolescence – Teens
Signs of Anorexia in Teens
Signs and symptoms may include but not limited to:
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Significant weight loss or failure to gain weight during periods of growth.
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Preoccupation or dissatisfaction with body image.
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Calorie counting or dieting.
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Avoiding meals or making excuses to skip meals.
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Withdrawal from social situations involving food or eating alone often.
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Excessive exercise even when sick or injured.
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Food rituals such as cutting things into tiny pieces or pushing food around.
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Feeling cold, dizzy, fainting, irregular menstruation in females is a significant red flag.
What causes anorexia in teens? (Risk factors)
Certain factors include genetics such as parents having a history of an eating disorder or untreated disordered eating (constantly dieting/obsessed about appearance/weight, etc.), trauma, perfectionism and societal pressures of thin = health!
Outpatient Treatment and Nutrition Therapy for Anorexia in Teens:
Treatment for anorexia in teens is tailored to each individual’s needs. We collaborate closely with parents and caregivers to establish a home-based treatment environment, providing meal plans and techniques to reduce eating disorder behaviors. Please note that if we determine outpatient care is insufficient for the teen’s progress, we may recommend a higher level of care. While we can offer professional guidance, the implementation of the treatment ultimately depends on you.
Family-Based Treatment with Registered Dietitian Nutritionists:
A dietitian’s role is crucial in ensuring the success of FBT by providing the necessary dietary guidance and support for both the patient and their family. A dietitian provides specialized knowledge about nutrition offering tailored plans to the individual needs while designing meal plans that ensure adequate calorie intake and nutrient balance. Our role in FBT includes educating the families about how proper nutrition plays an impact on one’s eating disorder recovery. We collaborate with therapists and other healthcare providers to provide a comprehensive treatment approach.
Does insurance cover nutrition therapy for anorexia?
We are in-network with many insurance companies. Insurance-based nutrition counseling is based on your insurance provider’s approval and specific insurance plan. We can only provide services based on what they allow, following their specific guidelines. Such perimeters include:
- Limitations in visits
- Requiring a certain amount of time in between appointments
- No additional support between appointments
- Check your medical nutrition therapy benefits here.
While nutritional counseling can be beneficial for various conditions, we find that, specifically for those suffering from disordered eating, continuous support and ongoing accountability is the game changer in achieving recovery.
We believe that full recovery is possible with the right support and treatment. We look forward to being part of your healing process.
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.
Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Illinois | Missouri | New York | Texas | Virginia | Iowa
We see clients in person in the St. Louis area, Missouri, Illinois, and from around the country via Telehealth. Learn more here.
Michelle Wilson
MS, RDN, LDN, CEDS-C, CIEC Registered Dietitian
Associate Clinical Manager
Learn more
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.
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)
Branz Nutrition in the Media
Best Diets 2024 By Michelle Wilson
Intermittent Fasting By Michelle Wilson
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Tips for Getting Back to a Healthy Eating Patterns after the Holidays By Michelle Wilson
Erica Branz