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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• Why can't someone with an eating disorder just eat more or less
food?
» Simply put — eating disorders are not fads, phases, or lifestyle
choices that can be addressed by trying to eat more or less food.
Rather, they are serious, and sometimes life-threatening medical
conditions.
• How long does treatment take?
» Initial therapy may last anywhere from a few months to multiple
years. Every person and situation are different. Ongoing therapy
may be needed for many years after that. Slips, backslides, and
relapse are common. Re-learning normal eating habits and coping
skills can take a long period of time and often requires lots of
support from professionals, friends, and family.
• Can someone with an eating disorder make a full recovery?
» Early detection and intervention are extremely important, and
recovery from eating disorders is a gradual process that is unique
to each person — but full recovery is absolutely possible.
