Anorexia
Heale Medical Primary Care
Anorexia Nervosa is a serious mental health disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, leading to extreme food restriction, distorted body image, and dangerous weight loss. It is one of the most well-known eating disorders and can have life-threatening physical and psychological consequences.
Key Features of Anorexia Nervosa
- Severe Food Restriction:
- Drastically reducing food intake, often skipping meals or eating very small portions.
- Intense Fear of Weight Gain:
- Persistent anxiety about gaining weight despite being significantly underweight.
- Distorted Body Image:
- Seeing oneself as overweight even when dangerously thin.
- Preoccupation with Food and Weight:
- Constant thoughts about calories, dieting, and body shape.
- Compulsive Behaviors:
- Excessive exercise, food rituals (e.g., cutting food into small pieces), or hiding food.
Types of Anorexia Nervosa
- Restricting Type:
- Weight loss is achieved by severe dieting, fasting, or excessive exercise.
- Binge-Eating/Purging Type:
- Episodes of binge eating followed by purging (vomiting, using laxatives, diuretics, or enemas).
Causes and Risk Factors
- Biological Factors:
- Genetic predisposition, hormone imbalances, and irregular brain activity.
- Psychological Factors:
- Perfectionism, low self-esteem, emotional trauma, or a need for control.
- Social and Environmental Factors:
- Cultural pressure to be thin, social media influence, and stressful life events.
Physical Symptoms
- Extreme weight loss
- Brittle hair and nails
- Dry, yellowish skin
- Fine hair growth on the body (lanugo)
- Feeling cold constantly
- Irregular or missed menstrual periods
- Fatigue and fainting spells
Psychological and Behavioral Symptoms
- Denial of hunger despite obvious weight loss
- Avoiding social events involving food
- Obsessive calorie counting and food measuring
- Distorted sense of body size and shape
Health Consequences
- Heart Problems: Low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat
- Bone Health: Osteoporosis and fractures
- Digestive Issues: Constipation, bloating, and stomach pain
- Hormonal Imbalances: Disrupted menstrual cycles and fertility problems
- Organ Damage: Potential kidney, liver, and brain damage
Treatment Options
- Medical Treatment: Managing physical health complications through hospitalization if needed.
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family-Based Therapy (FBT).
- Nutritional Counseling: Meal planning and re-establishing healthy eating patterns.
- Medications: Antidepressants or antipsychotics when necessary for mood and anxiety disorders.
Recovery Tip: Early intervention increases the chances of recovery. If you or someone you know may be struggling with Anorexia Nervosa, seek professional help as soon as possible.
Heale Medical Primary Care Doctors
DR. SARAH PARK, M.D.
Dr. Park completed the Bachelor of Science / Doctor of Medicine program at Northeastern Ohio Medical University. She completed an internal medicine residency at Case Western Metro Health in Cleveland, Ohio, and is Internal Medicine board-certified physician. Dr. Park has 10 years of experience and prior to starting at Heale Medical, she worked in academic medicine as well as hospitalist work. Her focuses include preventative care and women’s health. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, exercise and spending time with her husband and two children. She also likes to volunteer at church and with various global health organizations.
DR. STEPHANIE NG, D.O.
Dr. Stephanie Ng completed her undergraduate studies at University of New England in Maine after serving as a medic in the US Army for four years. She graduated with a degree in Medical Biology and began working in the biotech/pharmaceutical field as a research assistant. She attended the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Internal Medicine Residency program with the US Army in El Paso, TX. Upon completion of her program, she was assigned to the largest American hospital outside of the US in Germany.
During her time there, she worked as a primary care physician until she was deployed to Afghanistan as a Battalion Surgeon with the 2nd Cavalry Infantry unit. With the help of her medics and PA, she ran a sick call clinic for her soldiers, attended to minor traumas, provided medical training/education to the combat medics as well as organized a Flu vaccination clinic and Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment Day alongside her Physical Therapist. Throughout her career she had worked in various positions to include hospitalist, primary care and urgent care.
Her medical interests include preventive healthcare, integrative medicine, OMT and aesthetics. Dr. Ng is fluent in Spanish as well.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her children, traveling, watching movies, dancing and having adventures where ever life takes her!
JOSHUA MONTGOMERY, CERTIFIED PHYSICAN ASSISTANT (PA)
Joshua Montgomery is certified physician assistant (PA)and graduate of Shenandoah University’s PA program. He most recently completed his Doctorate of Medical Science degree from Shenandoah University. Joshua also holds a Master of Public Health degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and worked many years in public health before becoming a PA.
His professional interest lies in preventative medicine, particularly biopsychosocial connection for chronic disease prevention and management, as well interest in Men’s health.
In addition, Joshua serves on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Association of Minority PAs as well as the nccPA Health Foundation.
In his free time, Joshua enjoys sports especially basketball and football. He also enjoys live music events, food festivals, and exploring nice outdoor parks.
Heale Medical Primary Care
8300 Boone Boulevard
Suite 150
Vienna, VA 22182
