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We started Equip with a simple but bold vision: to transform the broken system that leaves too many people without the care they deserve, and ensure that everyone struggling with an eating disorder has access to evidence-based treatment. Today, we are thrilled to announce that Kerry Washington has joined our journey as an advisor and investor in Equip.

There isn’t a better time to announce her investment than during this year’s Eating Disorder Awareness Week, which is dedicated to shedding light on the realities of eating disorders, challenging misconceptions, and advocating for more access to treatment.

Kerry is more than an award-winning actress, producer, and director. She is a fierce advocate for social justice and mental health who has used her voice and platform for years to elevate underrepresented communities and push for meaningful change. When we first met with Kerry, we immediately saw how deeply aligned her values are with Equip’s mission.

Like us, Kerry believes that eating disorders don’t discriminate—but, unfortunately, access to treatment often does. With Kerry’s partnership, we are doubling down on our commitment to reaching those needing virtual, evidence-based care.

Kerry’s involvement is more than just an investment; it’s a partnership built on shared values and a bias toward action. We will continue to work tirelessly to:

Expand our reach so that more people can access life-saving treatment, no matter where they live.

Destigmatize eating disorders and change the conversation about who they affect and who needs treatment.

At Equip, we believe full recovery is possible and that everyone deserves the chance to heal. With Kerry on our team, we are even more confident in our ability to make that vision a reality. This is just the beginning, and we couldn’t be more excited about what’s to come.

Equip Update: Kerry Washington Invests in Equip to Expand Access to Eating Disorder Care

Eating disorders are one of the most complex mental health diagnoses, so it makes sense that coming up with a consistent definition of recovery is equally tricky. Equip’s newest research—featuring nearly 500 people either in recovery from or seeking treatment for an eating disorder—sheds light on the intricacies of the recovery process and what recovery means to different people. Below we’ll unpack some key learnings and insights, touching on the treatment experience, 

, individual definitions of recovery, and more.

Defining recovery: a spectrum of experiences

Eating disorder recovery remains a deeply personal and evolving concept. But when we asked survey respondents what recovery meant to them, certain themes emerged. Most said that recovery means, among other things:

Developing a positive relationship with food and body

However, respondents also reported that challenges can persist even into recovery, and that they sometimes don’t feel “fully” recovered. Among this subset, 93% said they still struggled with disordered behaviors, 89% said they still had 

, and 92% said they still have a challenging relationship with food.

Below are some excerpts from an open-response question that asked respondents to define recovery.

“I define recovery as existing without a constant cloud over my head. I know the thoughts will always be there, but recovery to me is making that voice as tiny and as far away as possible, being drowned out by better, healthier, more positive thoughts.” -30-39 year-old pansexual woman

“Recovery, I hope, will be one through which I can take my life back and live not crippled by food and body image preoccupations, fostering health in both my body and my mind through good eating habits and self-care. I also do hope to develop self-compassion, build meaningful connections with people, and 

live a full and purpose-driven life filled with joy

“I will feel fully recovered when my eating habits and routine no longer involve the so-called ‘binge/purge’ process. I still experience these encounters less than before. When I can go sustained periods of time—months/years—then I will feel confident of recovery” -40-49 year-old bisexual man

We also asked people about their motivation for seeking treatment and what treatment they sought. Encouragingly, 64% of respondents cited desire for recovery as a motivating factor, which is contrary to the widespread idea that people with eating disorders don’t want to get better. Other motivating factors were mental health concerns (69%), and physical health risks (65%).

 was the most common treatment setting (67%), followed by inpatient care. Notably, treatment satisfaction was higher among those with strong support networks and access to 

. The most important aspects of treatment that came up again and again were:

: Therapists, dietitians, and psychiatrists were key members of treatment teams, with many respondents citing their empathy and personalized approaches as pivotal.

Nearly half (46%) of those discharged from treatment cited peer support and family involvement as aids in recovery, but the treatment team was the top contributor (78%).

: Coping strategies, such as challenging negative thoughts and developing resilience, played a critical role in progress.

Our research highlights widespread concerns about relapse, with 88% fearing it and 51% having relapsed multiple times. Stress, societal pressures, and co-occurring mental health issues are common triggers.

Among those currently in treatment, 40% worry about post-discharge relapse, citing stress, body image struggles, and past relapses. While most (78%) respondents had a positive treatment experience, the high relapse concerns emphasize that recovery isn’t linear—and that treatment must include 

relapse planning to support lasting recovery

Every relapse is different, but some patterns emerged among respondents.

: Most relapses occurred within two to six months of discharging from treatment.

: Marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ and racial minorities, reported higher vulnerability to relapse due to systemic inequities and lack of affirming care.

While men and women share similar relapse rates, women more frequently report disordered thoughts, mental health, stress, and social media as a concern.

Body image concerns were more frequently mentioned by younger respondents (18–29 years) across all genders.

“Looking at myself in the mirror or in unflattering photos makes me feel like completely relapsing. Plus, food costs cause me to think that eating is optional.” -18-29 y/o queer man

“When I feel overwhelmed by stress, loneliness, or sadness, I notice those feelings can make me more vulnerable to old patterns. It's hard to resist the urge to cope in unhealthy ways during those moments.” -30-39 y/o Black woman

“It feels unavoidable. A lot of the social media content I interact with serves as a huge trigger because they are all so thin and beautiful. Even the thought of shopping can trigger a relapse since I have to see how my sizes fluctuate (even though I know sizing isn't standard—at all).” - 18-29 y/o Asian woman

Our study highlighted disparities in treatment experiences among marginalized populations, like LGBTQIA+ individuals and racial minorities:

Stigma and lack of gender-affirming care were significant barriers to treatment, and family support emerged as a critical factor for recovery. Nearly half (44%) of survey respondents identified as LGBTQIA+, highlighting the disproportionate impact that eating disorders have on this community.

Black respondents were more likely to rely on intensive treatment, and reported positive outcomes linked to family involvement and community-based support.

BIPOC individuals were twice as likely to cite pressure to recover fast and unrealistic goals as a barrier to treatment progress compared to white individuals (10% vs. 5%).

of LGBTQIA+ youth have an eating disorder, and that BIPOC individuals are 

 to be diagnosed or receive treatment, there’s work to be done in supporting these communities better in treatment. Learn more about eating disorders in 

The path to eating disorders recovery is challenging, but recovery is both possible and worth it for everyone affected by an eating disorder. The perspectives shared in our survey reveal these challenges, as well as the resilience and hope within so many people struggling.

Sustainable recovery for everyone requires:

: Affordable, evidence-based treatments tailored to individual needs.

: Peer networks and family involvement are crucial for lasting change.

: Treatment that addresses mental, physical, and emotional health, as well as co-occurring conditions, is essential.

This research is a powerful reminder of the ongoing work needed to support those on their recovery journeys. By amplifying diverse voices and addressing systemic barriers, we can build a future where it’s possible for everyone to not only achieve recovery, but maintain it long-term as well.

Learn more about accessible, evidence-based eating disorder treatment at Equip

What Does It Mean to Recover? Insights from Recent Equip Research

I’ll never forget when a guy I was newly dating invited me over for dinner, saying, “I’m making steak and salad—no carbs tonight.” Then, there was the guy who, over a delicious Italian dinner, confided in me that his biggest fear in life was “getting fat.”

At the time, I was several years into my eating disorder recovery, so wasn’t triggered by their disordered actions and words, but had I been earlier in recovery, they certainly could’ve had a negative impact on my healing process. Regardless, I still found such situations and conversations tricky to navigate and they became barriers to developing deep connections necessary for lasting relationships. Unsurprisingly, neither person turned out to be my life partner.

By itself, “Dating can be really hard and it’s so vulnerable,” says Equip dietitian Dani Castellano, RD, CEDS. While people of all ages date, 

 often coincides with a period of life when dating is especially common—in young adulthood—and dating in recovery can be especially challenging to navigate.

 and other common factors can make dating tough on the road to eating disorder recovery, and strategies to help you feel as prepared as possible before heading out on your next (or maybe first) date.

Why dating can be tough when in eating disorder recovery

Dating in recovery can be difficult for a myriad of reasons—here are some of the most common obstacles:

Unfortunately, most of society is steeped in diet culture, so chances of going on a date with someone who has 

 (negative attitudes and beliefs about others because of their weight) or uses disordered food behaviors (e.g. restricting carbohydrates), are relatively high.

“When meeting someone new you may also be exposed to diet culture language such as ‘good’ vs ‘bad’ foods, calories, mention of diets or dietary restrictions, or self-deprecating talk that can feel triggering,” says dietitian 

Seemingly innocent commentary such as checking in regarding what someone had for a meal, commenting on how much one eats, talking about one’s own nutrition, fitness, and weight goals are some things patients have shared that are triggering,” Castellano adds.

One of my clients new to recovery had a hard time getting her nutrition needs met when eating around the person she was dating, because he regularly made diet-based comments about his own food and negative comments about other people’s bodies. Yet, even if your date seems to have a healthy relationship to food, it can still be tough sticking to your meal plan or making sure you’re staying true to your recovery while dating. “Because dating and relationship building often occurs over food or drink, it can increase food-related anxiety about what to order, how much to eat, or just feeling self-conscious 

 showing college-aged people may consider there to be acceptable “dating foods” and off-limits “non-dating” foods, including more “feminine” foods (e.g. salad) and acceptable for those identifying as females, and foods (e.g. steak) that are more “masculine” and acceptable for those identifying as males—making it all the more difficult to feel rooted in recovery when first impressions feel particularly important.

The current dating world is largely found online, which can further complicate eating disorder recovery. In fact, research links dating apps to poorer 

 of adults between ages 18 and 65 found that dating app users may be more likely to engage in disordered behaviors than non-users. Another 

 of sexual minority men (those who differ from the cis-heterosexual society) linked dating app usage and poor body image, and eating disorder behaviors, like diet pill and laxative use and self-induced vomiting.

, LPC, CPCS, says poor body image is an issue several of her clients face while dating, on and off the apps. “Most of my clients are concerned that they will be judged for their appearance, regardless of their actual body size,” she says. “Those in larger bodies are fearful about being someone's fetish.”

Additionally, poor body image can extend into sexual intimacy while dating. In fact, 

 shows that women with eating disorders have higher levels of self-consciousness about their bodies during sexual activity which is associated with sexual dissatisfaction.

In my practice, I’ve worked with several clients who (understandably) need support in sharing about their eating disorder and recovery with people they’re dating, because they feel especially vulnerable to judgement. Since eating disorders are often (wrongly) stigmatized and largely misunderstood, it can feel scary to explain to a new person about your journey and needs. Personally, I went through a time in my recovery when I was too ashamed of my eating disorder history to share my past struggles with anyone new, because I was afraid they would see me in a negative light or even outright reject me.

Strategies for navigating dating while in eating disorder recovery

Despite all these challenges, dating in recovery is not only possible, it can also be fulfilling, exciting, and even fun! The strategies below can help you get there.

First and foremost, take a moment to be honest with yourself, so you can gauge whether it’s time to date or not. “I always encourage my clients to have their own identity firmly rooted in recovery before beginning to date,” Engberg says. “The saying, ‘You can’t pour from an empty cup,’ really applies here.” She suggests asking yourself questions like, “Can you show up authentically on a date right now, without feeling like you have to change or hide parts of yourself?” and “Do you feel comfortable being honest about your needs, preferences, and boundaries in a dating situation?”

If your answer is no and you think you need more time in recovery before dating, consider using your desire to date to fuel your recovery. “If you value connection and want to be able to go on a date and eat the ice cream cone,” Castellano says, “that’s a great reason to keep working on your recovery goals,” like conquering your 

. Full recovery enables you to be the most genuine version of yourself and thus to form genuine connections with others.

If you’re on a date with someone who makes diet culture comments, boundaries are key to making your experience (and potential future dates) enjoyable and aligned with your recovery. However, boundaries can feel tricky, especially in the moment with someone new.

Depending on your comfort level, there are a few ways to set them. Castellano suggests gently redirecting the conversation to a different topic or saying something like, “’I’m not really into diet culture and would love to talk about x instead’ or ‘I’m actually going through some things that make these topics pretty difficult for me to discuss and for right now it’d be helpful if we didn’t talk about food or bodies.’”

Engberg encourages clients to rehearse what you would say in an uncomfortable scenario to take care of yourself. “Remember, you get to decide how much you share,” she adds. “Boundaries are about protecting your peace, not convincing others to change their mindset.”

One of the best ways to make sure your food and nutrition needs are met on dates is to gently plan and prepare beforehand. For example, I ended up bringing a carbohydrate source (potatoes) as a side to the steak and salad dinner mentioned earlier. It’s completely acceptable to bring food along to round out a meal when you know a whole food group will be missing. Honestly, I can’t recall if my date ate the potatoes or not—what was important was that I got a balanced and satisfying dinner. “Try your best not to compare what’s on your plate to what the other person is eating because it is unlikely you have the exact same nutrition needs day in and day out,” Castellano explains. She also encourages her patients to speak up about their needs. “Normalize that it’s okay to advocate for getting your needs met,” she says. For instance, “[you might] need to take a break from what you’re doing to eat a snack.”

Plus, Engberg suggests working to stay connected to 

 as much as possible. “From butterflies and nerves to different schedules, it’s easy to get distracted while dating but skipping meals or ignoring your body’s needs can be a slippery slope.” She recalls her first date with her current partner where she ordered food when he wasn’t eating. “That moment was a reminder that I don’t have to shrink myself (literally or figuratively) to be worthy of connection,” she says. “By allowing myself to eat in front of him, I was able to remain present, enjoy the conversation, and communicate (without even realizing it at the time) that my needs and wants are important.”

But what if you do lose connection to your body amid dating? Lean on your meal plan or practice what I call “self-care eating,” or eating when hunger is absent because it’s been over three or four hours since your last meal or snack. “I always recommend keeping a snack in your bag or car and planning dates that allow for eating opportunities,” Engberg adds. She encourages clients to have a game plan if eating at a restaurant feels hard. “This might mean reviewing the menu ahead of time or selecting a setting where you feel more comfortable,” she says. “Also remember that meeting your needs doesn’t just start when you arrive on your date—make sure that you are nourishing adequately throughout the day so you can show up energized and present.”

Working on your relationship to your body is necessary to date healthfully in recovery. Marks recommends her clients work on body image before and during dating, since “it's often based on the perception of appearance and to make sure they’re not projecting any of their own issues or insecurities on someone else.” She recommends a few techniques, including “reminding yourself that you are much more than your appearance—that you are more than a body, focusing on body acceptance and neutrality, wearing clothes you feel comfortable in, and accepting compliments [instead of] deflecting or minimizing them.”

While dating, clarifying your values and evaluating your date’s values can help you decide whether you want to continue spending time with them. Marks suggests asking yourself some questions: “If someone highly values a particular physical appearance, or physical appearance in general, is that someone that you want to be with? How will their values and behaviors impact you? Have you worked through your own body images to be true to yourself and confident?”

Improving body image takes time and practice, and working with a therapist can make a significant impact. “It can be exhausting but it's something that we have to keep doing as insecurities and issues will come up,” Marks adds, “and we have to be prepared to address those issues.”

For supplemental support, some of my favorite body image books are “

.” You can also explore Equip’s free body image course, 

Forming meaningful relationships takes emotional risk and requires authenticity. So, being up front about your eating disorder recovery and needs is important in dating. However, how, when, and with whom you share is at your discretion. There’s no need to share your eating disorder history on a first (or second or third) date, unless you feel compelled to do so, until there’s trust and safety established between you two. When you’re ready to share, the right person for you will respond with compassion and respect.

Personally, one of the most rewarding parts of my eating disorder recovery has been—after years of dating—finding my way to my husband, who has always seen and accepted me for who I truly am (and who loves his carbs). It’s entirely possible to date and find love while in eating disorder recovery. However, it’s imperative that you’re far enough along in your healing process to be ready for a genuine and healthy relationship. If you need help getting there, reach out for professional help from a therapist and dietitian to support your process.

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/eating-disorders#part_2569

Europe, W. H. O. R. O. for. (2017). Weight bias and obesity stigma: considerations for the WHO European Region. 

Why Do We Say “Diet Culture” Instead of “the Patriarchy?”

 (2020). Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/eating-mindfully/202007/why-do-we-say-diet-culture-instead-the-patriarchy

‌ Amiraian, D. E., & Sobal, J. (2009). Dating and eating. Beliefs about dating foods among university students. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2009.06.012

Blake, K., Portingale, J., Giles, S., Griffiths, S., & Krug, I. (2022). Dating app usage and motivations for dating app usage are associated with increased disordered eating. 

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-022-00693-9

Tran, A., Suharlim, C., Mattie, H., Davison, K., Agénor, M., & Austin, S. B. (2019). Dating app use and unhealthy weight control behaviors among a sample of U.S. adults: a cross-sectional study. 

(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-019-0244-4

‌ Tran, A., Mabintou Darboe, Goyal, A., & Birk, N. (2023). Association between dating app use and unhealthy weight control behaviors and muscle enhancing behaviors in sexual minority men: a cross-sectional study. 

(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15715-7

‌ Spivak-Lavi, Z., & Gewirtz-Meydan, A. (2021). Eating Disorders and Sexual Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Body Image Self-consciousness during Physical Intimacy and Dissociation. 

(3), 344–353. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2021.1948491

Dating While in Recovery Can Be Hard. Here’s How to Navigate It.

Eating disorders are mental illnesses that also pose significant 

. They affect nearly every part of the body—from the nervous system to the brain to the heart to the digestive tract—and these effects can be quite serious. In fact, eating disorders have the 

 of all mental illnesses, behind only opioid addiction.

 should be the first line of defense for an eating disorder, as it causes the least disruption to a person’s life and 

 it’s just as effective as more intensive forms of treatment. But because of the effect eating disorders can have on physical health, patients sometimes need medical stabilization in a hospital before they can begin to address the psychological, emotional, and behavioral aspects of their illness through 

Determining whether or not a patient needs to be admitted for medical stabilization can be a tough call for healthcare providers to make. Use this guide to better understand what to consider when making this decision so you can provide the best care to your patients.

Why might a patient with an eating disorder need hospitalization?

Eating disorders can put someone in physical danger for a number of different reasons, one of the big ones being the effects of severe food restriction. “The serious physical health risks of eating disorders are often the result of a lack of adequate nutrition—also known as 

—and the associated weight loss,” explains Michele Zucker, MD, Medical Director at Equip. These physical consequences include:

Abnormal heart rhythms, including very low heart rates (bradycardia) that can lead to death if not managed properly

Slowing of movement of food through the gastrointestinal system that leads to vomiting and inability to keep in food

Low blood pressure, which can lead	to dizziness upon standing, and fainting

A weakened heart, and potentially even heart failure

Severe malnutrition may also cause a condition called pericardial effusion, where fluid accumulates in the sac surrounding the heart. If this fluid collection becomes large enough, the heart is unable to beat properly and keep blood moving throughout the body.

But food restriction isn’t the only eating disorder behavior that can put someone in physical danger—there are several other behaviors that can lead to serious medical complications. Some of the risks to be aware of include:

Vomiting to get rid of food may result in bleeding from the esophagus, which can cause a significant amount of blood loss. Excessive vomiting can also lead to potentially dangerous changes in the body’s acid/base status, as well as low potassium.

Overuse of laxatives can cause low levels of potassium, sodium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which can affect nearly every organ system.

Excessive exercise contributes to low heart rates.

Water loading (drinking excessive amounts of water or other fluids in order to influence weight) can cause dilution of electrolytes including potassium and sodium. Very low sodium levels can cause seizures.

Avoidance of drinking adequate fluids or overuse of diuretics can lead to dehydration, which can contribute to kidney dysfunction or failure, dizziness, and fainting.

 if nutritional rehabilitation isn't done correctly. “When someone starts eating again after a period of very low nutrition, it can result in shifts in fluids and electrolytes,” Zucker explains. “These shifts may affect many organ systems, and can lead to serious complications, including body swelling, double vision, confusion and disorientation, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness, trouble breathing, abnormal heart rhythms, and even death if not properly managed.”

Medical criteria for hospitalization: key indicators

Many providers use the American Psychiatric Association Practice Guidelines and the 

Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine

 factors to support hospitalization to determine if a patient may need to be hospitalized for medical stabilization. Their criteria is:

Very low weight (<75% of the 50th percentile BMI for age and sex)

Electrolyte disturbance (low potassium, sodium, phosphorus)

Severely low heart rate (<50	beats/minute daytime; <45 beats/minute sleeping)

Low body temperature (<95 degrees F, <35.6 degrees C)

Orthostatic changes in pulse or heart rate

Failure to thrive/arrested growth and development

Medical complications of malnutrition (for example fainting, seizures, heart failure, kidney failure, liver failure, pancreatitis, etc.)

Concurrent medical or psychiatric conditions that limit appropriate outpatient treatment (like type I diabetes, obsessive compulsive disorder, or a suicide attempt)

If a patient meets any of the criteria above, they may need inpatient hospitalization—however, this checklist alone isn’t enough to determine if a patient needs a 

. “Our bodies are designed to stay alive, so they accommodate malnutrition until they can't, “ says Kara Pepper, MD, East Coast adult medical supervisor for Equip. “People can come to the doctor's office and have normal labs, but that doesn't mean there are no eating disorder behaviors going on. You need to talk to your patients.” She encourages providers to 

Additionally, keep in mind that weight is only one factor. “You also need to look at how quickly a patient’s weight changed, and the frequency and intensity of their engagement in eating disorder behaviors,” says Heather A. Dlugosz, MD, Medical Director at the Harold C. Schott Eating Disorder Program. Pepper agrees, adding that, “people can have very significant malnutrition if they lose significant weight in a short amount of time, even if their BMI doesn't reflect that they're underweight.”

Treatments provided during inpatient hospitalization

While inpatient stabilization may sometimes be required, it’s important to understand that this level of care is meant to be short-term and intensive. Patients may remain in a hospital setting for a few days or weeks, then transition to a lower level of care.

The exact care provided will vary from hospital to hospital, but effective inpatient treatment for an eating disorder should be tailored to the individual and address multiple different aspects of the illness. It typically involves a multidisciplinary team that monitors the patient and a regular schedule of care that often includes the following:

During medical stabilization, patients are often cared for by medical providers, dietitians, and nurses. Many inpatient units also have psychiatrists, who can prescribe medication for any underlying mental health conditions, as well as therapists, social workers, or occupational therapists, who provide support to help manage anxiety and stress related to eating and can assess patients' progress or regression. “It's a collaborative approach to help the whole patient, mind, body, and spirit, and help their support team to understand how to care for them,” Dlugosz adds.

When being stabilized, patients’ heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, and weight are closely monitored. “Blood is usually drawn at least once daily for up to seven days to monitor for electrolyte changes that can occur with early refeeding, and any abnormal electrolyte levels are corrected through supplementation,” Zucker says. This blood work also checks for underlying conditions that could be causing or contributing to weight loss or preventing weight gain.

Adjusting to inpatient care can be challenging, and some patients may not want to be there. So in the beginning, therapy may focus on helping people navigate being in inpatient treatment, Pepper says. In addition to individual sessions, group therapy sessions give patients the opportunity to work on interpersonal dynamics and receive and provide support to others.

During treatment, it's essential that the patient's body is able to use as much nutrition as possible to grow and repair. Because of this, most are expected to remain restful and may be monitored to ensure they aren't trying to exercise or get more physical activity in secret.

Dietitians carefully plan each patient's 

, and all meals are eaten in group settings. Staff are available to supervise and may eat with the patients to provide support, compassion, and redirection if someone becomes distressed or engages in a disordered behavior like hiding food or cutting it into small pieces, Dlugosz says. If someone can't eat their entire meal, they often drink a liquid supplement after to ensure they consume all the nutrition their plan calls for. Patients may also be supervised after meals in order to prevent 

Depending on the treatment center, a nasogastric (NG) tube may be used in different circumstances to provide a liquid meal replacement. This tube goes through the nose and feeds down the throat into the stomach to ensure optimal caloric intake. “It's an option to be used when patients are really struggling,” Dlugosz says. “ If someone has 

 to do, they may have a nutrient goal that's hard to reach with solid food alone without a lot of physical or psychological discomfort.” In these instances, patients may choose to use an NG tube, which allows them to focus on eating what they can manage at the meal and still support their goals.

Duration of hospitalization and post-discharge planning

It's hard to predict how long any one patient will spend in hospitalized care. “The goal of the inpatient hospitalization is to monitor for and treat any electrolyte changes, halt weight loss, normalize vital signs, treat any other medical complications of the eating disorder, and address any additional medical or psychiatric problems,” Zucker says. “Given these goals, a patient may remain hospitalized for anywhere from several days to several weeks, depending on the severity of their symptoms and how quickly they’re able to make progress. Their length of stay may also depend on additional medical or psychiatric issues, support systems, and insurance coverage.”

After discharge from the hospital, patients may step down to any level of care, including

, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, or residential eating disorder treatment. “Typically, the inpatient team collaborates with the patient and their family to determine the best next step, and then initiates referrals for that treatment,” Zucker says.

Although some people go straight from a hospital setting to outpatient care, many step down more gradually. “It's hard to go from 24/7 care to only one to two sessions per week,” Dlugosz says. “Depending on the patient, they may continue to require close medical and psychiatric monitoring, weight restoration, or further help with changing behaviors that would be challenging in outpatient treatment alone. We want to give patients the practice of building mastery to do things independently in a way that doesn’t feel too overwhelming.”

In an ideal world, the best discharge plan is tailored to support continued recovery. But there are also considerations like insurance limitations, comorbidities, finances (such as if the patient is the breadwinner for their family), proximity to loved ones, and patient autonomy to factor in. “We want it to be something they feel like they can commit to while also ensuring the plan meets the needs of where they are in their recovery journey,” Dlugosz says.

The critical role of inpatient care in eating disorder recovery

Eating disorders are one of the most deadly mental illnesses, making it critical to help patients get the right level of care to address both the physical and mental health consequences. While outpatient treatment is considered the front-line treatment for most eating disorders, some patients with severe eating disorders may first require inpatient care.

Providers can help these patients by being aware of the signs that someone needs hospitalization, and then referring the patient to an appropriate treatment center. “Find out who in your community treats eating disorders, make connections with them, collaborate, and understand what resources are available locally and in your region,” Dlugosz encourages providers, “so if and when you have a patient who needs more support, you a have list of places you feel comfortable referring them to.”

It’s also important to remember that even if a patient is resistant to treatment or the idea of hospitalization, it doesn’t mean that it’s the wrong choice—and they may find the motivation to recover only 

 treatment begins. “At any given time in our inpatient unit, we have patients who are not 100 percent willing to be there and others who really are motivated for change,” Dlugosz describes. “Once they get settled in and build further willingness for support, most individuals start to see how their life can be different outside of their eating disorder. Even if they're not 100 percent committed to recovery, we can see degrees of change in patients while they're here. Most of the patients we work with transition to the next level of care after an inpatient admission that meets their current needs and are able to continue to work toward building a life outside of their eating disorder in line with their goals and values.”

If you’re unsure whether a patient of yours needs inpatient hospitalization, you can talk to an Equip team member to determine the best course of action. You can 

reach out to us via email, phone, or online form

What this means for Equip