Supporting Clients with Eating Disorders in Medical Settings
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Medical providers play an essential role in identifying and supporting individuals with eating disorders—but many face significant challenges, including limited appointment times, complex medical needs, and healthcare systems that aren't always designed for collaborative care.
At TLB Nutrition Therapy, we created our Supporting Clients with Eating Disorders in Medical Settings handout to provide practical, trauma-informed guidance for physicians and other medical professionals.
The handout emphasizes taking a whole-person approach by looking beyond weight alone. Comprehensive care includes reviewing medical history, assessing the "5 S's" (Sleep, Salt/Nutrition, Sedentary Behavior, Stress, and Substances), evaluating mental health, and completing an appropriate medical assessment with vital signs, laboratory work, and physical examination. It also reminds providers that laboratory values may appear normal even when an eating disorder is medically significant.
Just as importantly, the handout highlights the value of trauma-informed, weight-inclusive care. Offering blind weights, honoring patient preferences, using neutral language, and collaborating closely with dietitians and therapists can improve both the patient experience and overall clinical outcomes. Small changes in communication can have a meaningful impact on helping clients feel safe, respected, and supported throughout recovery.
Navigating Medical Visits During Eating Disorder Recovery
Medical appointments can feel intimidating when you're living with an eating disorder or disordered eating. In this episode of Snack Chats, Tina sits down with Dr. Rebecca Berens, family physician and founder of Vida Family Medicine, to discuss how patients, dietitians, therapists, and physicians can work together to create more compassionate, weight-inclusive healthcare experiences.
Together, they explore the realities of today's healthcare system, why medical visits often feel rushed, and practical ways clients can advocate for themselves while receiving the care they deserve.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What healthcare providers should assess when disordered eating is suspected
Dr. Berens' Five S's of lifestyle assessment: Sleep, Salt (Nutrition), Sedentary Behavior, Stress, and Substances
How labs, vital signs, and medical monitoring fit into eating disorder recovery
Why automated patient portal messages can sometimes cause harm
Practical strategies for making the most of short primary care appointments
How dietitians, therapists, physicians, and clients can collaborate as a treatment team
The impact of insurance and healthcare systems on patient care
Why weight-inclusive, trauma-informed medicine matters
Whether you're a client, caregiver, dietitian, therapist, or physician, this conversation offers practical insights into navigating medical care with greater confidence, compassion, and collaboration.
Download our free handout: Supporting Clients with Eating Disorders in Medical Settings. This resource reviews whole-person assessments, comprehensive medical evaluations, trauma-informed approaches to weight, strategies for collaborating with dietitians and therapists, and practical ways providers can support clients within today's healthcare system.
You can also download our How to Navigate Medical Visits When Struggling with Disordered Eating handout and Do Not Weigh Me cards to support communication and self-advocacy during medical appointments.
Featured Guest
Dr. Rebecca Berens, MD
Family Physician | Weight-Inclusive Primary Care
Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, nutrition counseling, or mental health treatment. If you are struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating, we encourage you to seek care from a qualified healthcare professional or multidisciplinary treatment team.