Eating Disorders
Heale Medical Primary Care
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits that negatively impact a person’s physical and emotional well-being. They often involve preoccupation with food, body weight, and appearance, accompanied by distorted self-perception.
Types of Eating Disorders
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Extreme restriction of food intake
- Intense fear of gaining weight
- Distorted body image
- Potential effects: Malnutrition, osteoporosis, organ damage
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Cycles of binge eating followed by purging (vomiting, laxative use)
- Fear of weight gain despite normal weight
- Potential effects: Electrolyte imbalance, dental erosion, digestive issues
- Binge-Eating Disorder (BED)
- Episodes of consuming large quantities of food uncontrollably
- Feelings of guilt, shame, and distress afterward
- Potential effects: Obesity, heart disease, diabetes
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
- Avoidance of food due to sensory issues or fear of choking
- Not related to body image concerns
- Potential effects: Malnutrition, developmental delays
- Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)
- Symptoms that don’t fit a specific category but still cause significant distress
- May include atypical anorexia, purging disorder, or night eating syndrome
Causes and Risk Factors
- Biological: Genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances
- Psychological: Low self-esteem, perfectionism, trauma
- Social: Cultural pressure, media portrayal of thinness, peer influence
- Environmental: Stressful life events, family dynamics
Symptoms and Warning Signs
- Physical: Weight fluctuations, fatigue, dizziness, hair thinning
- Behavioral: Obsessive calorie counting, food rituals, secrecy about eating
- Emotional: Anxiety, depression, irritability, mood swings
Treatment Approaches for Eating Disorders
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Medical Care: Addressing nutritional and medical complications
- Nutritional Counseling: Developing balanced eating habits
- Medication: Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications when appropriate
- Support Groups: Peer support and family therapy
Prevention and Recovery Tips
- Promote positive body image and self-esteem
- Avoid diet culture and weight-related comments
- Encourage balanced, mindful eating habits
- Seek professional help early if warning signs appear
If you suspect you have an eating disorder, please call us right away.
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
