The Body Image Center

When Healthy Eating Becomes an Obsession

May 4, 2018 by Andrew Walen, LCSW-C, LICSW, CEDS

We know it’s important to eat nourishing foods. Sure, it better to consume fruits, vegetables, and whole grains instead of processed snacks and TV dinners. But for some people, it evolves into a dangerous obsession. This fixation with eating healthy is called “orthorexia”, a fast-growing eating disorder characterized by the need to eat only healthy, […]

Now Accepting Clients for our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), and traditional outpatient program.

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“We need more brave men like Andrew Walen speaking out about their eating disorders to break down some of the stigmas that are barriers to effective treatments. Fat bullying and shaming are harmful and often can lead to dieting and shame which can be triggers for an eating disorder in someone who is biologically predisposed.”

Becky Henry Founder, Hope Network for Eating Disorders Caregivers

“Your kind of work — both your content and your style — are much needed in the female-crowded world of eating disorder recovery. There needs to be a movement for the normalization of men with eating disorders just as there was for women with alcoholism. And I believe you are going to be an important part of bringing that about.”

Thom Rutledge Author of Embracing Fear, and co-author of Life Without Ed

“Mr. Walen tells the tale of his journey from shame and self-destruction to a caring, whole individual reaching out to others to help with their pain. His writing is clear, witty and engaging. Even if you don’t have an eating disorder, his story of courage and insight is inspirational.”

Dr. Elizabeth Winter Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Medical School

When Healthy Eating Becomes an Obsession

Now Accepting Clients for our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), and traditional outpatient program.

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