Eating disorders

Eating Disorders in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses

Eating disorders are serious, potentially life‑threatening mental health conditions. They affect people of all ages, genders, backgrounds, cultures, and body sizes—right here in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan.

Nationally, eating disorders are estimated to affect millions of Americans, and local mental health providers in Grand Rapids report increasing demand for support and treatment. Because eating disorders often develop quietly and can be hidden for years, many people in Kent County live with symptoms for a long time before getting help.

Certain groups are at higher risk, including:

Women and girls
Children and adolescents
College students (including those at Grand Valley State University, Calvin University, Aquinas, and GRCC)
Gender- and sexually-diverse people (LGBTQIA+)
People involved in appearance- or weight-focused activities (dance, gymnastics, wrestling, modeling, elite sports)

Early support from a qualified professional in Grand Rapids can:

Improve the chances of full recovery
Shorten the duration of the illness
Reduce the impact on physical health, mental health, school, work, and relationships

While each person’s experience is unique, there are common warning signs of eating disorders.

Common warning signs of an eating disorder

Some early signs that may indicate an eating disorder include:

Constant or extreme dieting
Obsession with calories, weight, or “clean” eating
Frequent checking in mirrors, pinching body fat, or body comparison
Avoiding meals or claiming to have already eaten
Cutting out major food groups (such as carbs or fats) without medical reason
Wearing baggy or layered clothing to hide weight changes
Exercising excessively, even when sick, injured, or exhausted
Eating alone or in secret
Leaving the table during or right after meals
Noticeable changes in mood, irritability, anxiety, or depression
Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities—especially those involving food
Sensitivity to cold (especially relevant in West Michigan winters)
Faintness, dizziness, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating

If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or someone you care about in Grand Rapids, it’s important to reach out for help as soon as possible.

Types of Eating Disorders

Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is typically characterized by:

Restricting food intake, often severely
Significant weight loss or failure to gain expected weight in youth
Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming “fat,” even when underweight
Distorted body image—seeing oneself as larger than they are
Obsessive weighing, body checking, or measuring

People with anorexia may:

Avoid eating with others
Cut food into tiny pieces or engage in elaborate eating rituals
Wear layers of clothing to hide weight loss or stay warm in Michigan’s cold climate
Exercise excessively to burn calories

Anorexia can affect people at any body size, not only those who appear very thin. It is a serious medical condition that can impact heart health, bone density, hormones, and more, and often requires coordinated care from a doctor, dietitian, and mental health professional.

Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by:

Recurrent episodes of binge eating (eating a large amount of food in a short time, often in secret)
Feeling a loss of control during binges
Compensatory behaviors to “undo” the binge, such as:
- Self‑induced vomiting
- Misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or diet pills
- Fasting or severe dieting
- Excessive exercise

People with bulimia often experience:

Shame and guilt after binge episodes
Preoccupation with weight and body shape
Weight that may appear “normal,” making the disorder harder to detect

Bulimia can cause serious physical problems, including electrolyte imbalances, dental erosion, and gastrointestinal issues, and needs professional treatment.

Binge eating disorder (BED)

Binge eating disorder involves:

Recurrent episodes of binge eating, often including:
- Eating much more rapidly than normal
- Eating until uncomfortably full
- Eating large amounts when not physically hungry
- Eating alone due to embarrassment about how much is being eaten

Unlike bulimia, binge eating disorder does not involve regular compensatory behaviors (such as vomiting or excessive exercise).

After binge episodes, people often feel:

Guilt or shame
Distress, depression, or anxiety

Binge eating disorder is common and treatable. It can affect people of all sizes and is often associated with emotional distress, trauma history, or chronic dieting.

Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED)

OSFED describes feeding or eating behaviors that cause significant distress and impairment but do not meet all criteria for anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. This might include:

Atypical anorexia (significant weight loss without being underweight)
Bulimia or binge eating with lower frequency or shorter duration
Night eating syndrome
Purging disorder (purging without binge eating)

People with OSFED are at risk of serious physical and psychological complications and need the same level of care and respect as those with other eating disorders.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

ARFID involves:

Restriction or avoidance of food that leads to:
- Inadequate energy or nutrient intake
- Significant weight loss or failure to gain weight as expected
- Dependence on supplements or tube feeding
- Interference with social functioning

Causes may include:

Lack of interest in eating or food
Fear of choking, vomiting, or other aversive consequences
Strong sensory sensitivities to taste, texture, smell, or appearance of foods

ARFID is more common in children and adolescents but can occur at any age and often requires specialized support from a pediatrician or family doctor, dietitian, and therapist.

Causes of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are complex conditions. There is no single cause. Instead, they arise from a combination of social, biological, and psychological factors. In a community like Grand Rapids, local culture, climate, and social pressures can all play a role.

Social factors that may contribute include:

Sociocultural messages that promote an “ideal” body size and shape
Normalization of dieting and weight loss to achieve this ideal
Pressure to achieve and succeed academically, athletically, or professionally
Peer pressure to look or behave in certain ways
Occupations or activities that emphasize appearance or weight, such as:
- Ballet, dance, and theater (including local studios and schools)
- Modeling
- Elite or weight‑class sports (wrestling, gymnastics, crew, running)
Relationship difficulties or bullying (including weight‑based teasing)
Transition periods, such as:
- Starting at a new school or college in Grand Rapids
- Moving to the area
- Starting a new job
- Pregnancy and childbirth
A cultural tendency to judge people based on appearance or weight

In West Michigan, long winters and less outdoor activity can also affect mood and body image. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), common in northern climates like ours, can worsen depression and anxiety, which may interact with eating disorder symptoms.

Biological factors

Biological and genetic factors may include:

Family history of eating disorders
Genetic predisposition to anxiety, depression, or obsessive‑compulsive traits
Hormonal and neurochemical differences
Changes during adolescence and puberty

If you have a close relative with an eating disorder or certain mental health conditions, your own risk may be higher.

Psychological factors

Psychological contributors can include:

Low self‑esteem or chronic self‑criticism
Negative body image
Perfectionism or “all‑or‑nothing” thinking
Difficulty expressing or managing emotions
Depression or anxiety
Difficulty coping with stress (school, work, finances, family)
Impulsivity or obsessive thinking
History of trauma, bullying, or abuse

Major life events—such as the death of a loved one, a breakup, job loss, or serious illness—can also trigger or worsen an eating disorder.

Getting Professional Help in Grand Rapids

Why early help matters

If you think you may have an eating disorder, seeking help as early as possible is crucial. Early intervention:

Improves chances of full recovery
Reduces the risk of long‑term health problems
Helps restore healthy relationships with food, body, and self

Recovery looks different for everyone, but recovery is possible. Many people in Grand Rapids have successfully recovered with the right combination of medical, nutritional, and psychological support.

Where to start in Grand Rapids, MI

A good place to start is with your primary care provider or family doctor in Grand Rapids. You can:

Make an appointment with your GP (doctor) at:
- Spectrum Health / Corewell Health primary care
- Trinity Health Grand Rapids
- Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
- Mercy Health or other local clinics
Ask for referrals to:
- A registered dietitian with experience in eating disorders
- A psychologist, therapist, or other mental health professional specializing in eating disorders

Local public health resources include:

Kent County Health Department – information on local mental and behavioral health services
Grand Rapids Public Health and community health centers – can provide referrals and low‑cost options

If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self‑harm, seek immediate help by calling 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or going to the nearest emergency department (e.g., Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital).

Health professionals who may be involved

Because eating disorders affect both physical and mental health, treatment often involves a team, which may include:

GP / Primary care doctor – monitors physical health, labs, and medical stability
Psychologist, therapist, or counselor – provides evidence‑based therapies (CBT‑E, family‑based treatment, DBT, etc.)
Dietitian (RD or RDN) – helps rebuild a balanced relationship with food and supports nutritional rehabilitation
Psychiatrist – can help address co‑occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, or OCD
School or college counselors – especially for students in Grand Rapids area schools and universities

Symptoms to Watch For

Some common symptoms and behaviors associated with eating disorders include:

Noticeable changes in weight or weight fluctuation
Persistent dissatisfaction with body size, shape, or weight
Preoccupation with food, calories, or dieting
Extreme sensitivity to cold (especially noticeable in Michigan winters)
Faintness, dizziness, or frequent fatigue
Mood changes, irritability, anxiety, or depression
Social withdrawal or avoiding activities involving food
Inability to concentrate at school or work
Increased interest in preparing food for others while eating very little themselves
Obsessive rituals around food and eating, such as:
- Only eating certain foods or brands
- Using specific plates, utensils, or cups
- Cutting food into tiny pieces
Eating alone or in secret
Wearing baggy or layered clothes to hide the body
Excessive or fluctuating exercise patterns
Exercising through injury, illness, or severe fatigue
Making excuses not to eat or skipping meals
Disappearance of large amounts of food from the refrigerator or pantry
Regular trips to the bathroom right after eating

If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you love in Grand Rapids, reach out for professional help.

Support for Families and Friends in Grand Rapids

How eating disorders affect loved ones

Parents, siblings, partners, friends, coworkers, and other caregivers are often deeply affected when someone they love has an eating disorder. It can be painful and confusing to watch, especially when:

The person denies there is a problem
The eating disorder leads to isolation and conflict
You feel unsure what to say or do

Common feelings for loved ones include:

Confusion
Grief and sadness
Anger or frustration
Guilt or self‑blame
Fear and worry

These reactions are normal. Caring for yourself is essential so you can continue to support your loved one.

Practical ways to support someone

Some suggestions for family and friends include:

Learn about eating disorders
- Read reliable information from reputable organizations
- Ask local providers in Grand Rapids for recommended resources
Be honest and open about your concerns
- Use calm, clear, and respectful communication
- Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements
For example:
- Say: “I am concerned for you because I’ve noticed you don’t seem happy lately.”
- Avoid: “You aren’t happy at the moment.”
Focus on behaviors, not weight or appearance
- Talk about what you see (skipping meals, over‑exercising, isolation)
- Avoid comments about body size, shape, or weight
Encourage professional help
- Offer to help find a GP, therapist, or dietitian in Grand Rapids
- Offer to go to appointments for support
Avoid power struggles around food
- Support treatment plans from professionals instead of creating your own rules
Take care of yourself
- Seek your own support (counselor, support group, or trusted friend)
- Take breaks and maintain some of your own activities and interests

Showing consistent love, care, and belief in the person’s ability to recover—while encouraging professional help—is one of the most powerful things you can do.

Treatment and Recovery for Eating Disorders

Different approaches for different people

There is no single “right” way to treat an eating disorder. Different approaches work for different people, and treatment plans should be individualized. Common treatment components include:

Medical care – monitoring weight, vital signs, and lab work
Nutritional counseling – restoring adequate nutrition and normal eating patterns
Psychotherapy, such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT / CBT‑E)
- Family‑Based Treatment (FBT) for adolescents
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Trauma‑informed therapies, when needed
Medication, when appropriate, to treat co‑occurring conditions like depression or anxiety
Family therapy and education – especially for children and teens

In Grand Rapids, treatment may occur:

In outpatient settings (most common)
In intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization programs (day programs)
In residential or inpatient programs (often outside the local area, with referrals from Grand Rapids providers)

Recovery is possible

Recovery from an eating disorder:

Takes time and patience
Is rarely a straight line—setbacks can be part of the process
Often involves rebuilding a healthier relationship with food, body, and emotions

Many people in Grand Rapids and West Michigan have recovered and gone on to live full, meaningful lives. Early intervention, a strong support system, and skilled treatment teams make a real difference.

Local and National Resources

If you think you have an eating disorder—or are concerned about someone you care about in Grand Rapids—consider:

Your GP or family doctor – first point of contact
Local community health centers – for referrals and lower‑cost options
Kent County Health Department – information on mental and behavioral health resources
Registered dietitians and therapists in Grand Rapids – look for those who list eating disorders as a specialty

Additional support (example numbers; verify current contact details):

Eating Disorders Michigan – (616) 555‑0400
Butterfly Foundation – 1800 334 673
Dietitians Association of the United States – 1800 812 942

If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department in Grand Rapids.

Key Points

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that affect people of all ages, genders, and body sizes in Grand Rapids and across Michigan.
Some groups are at greater risk, including females, children, and gender- and sexually-diverse people.
Many people live with an eating disorder for a long time without diagnosis or treatment.
Main types of eating disorders include:
- Anorexia nervosa – characterized by restricted eating, weight loss, and fear of gaining weight.
- Bulimia nervosa – cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors.
- Binge eating disorder – recurrent binge eating without regular compensatory behaviors.
- OSFED and ARFID – other serious feeding and eating disorders.
Eating disorders are complex; there is no single cause. Social, biological, and psychological factors all play a role.
If you think you may have an eating disorder, it is important to seek help and reach out as early as possible to providers in Grand Rapids, MI.