Many people start by thinking, “I just need more willpower,” or “I’m being dramatic about food.” They blame themselves for not eating “normally,” for bingeing when stressed, for restricting too much, or for gaining weight on medications that help other symptoms.

But eventually, something shifts. A person begins to realize: this is bigger than just difficulty regulating nutrition. It’s a constant devil on the shoulder, an alarm bell ringing loudly while flashing fire-engine red warning signs. The pull to restrict, binge, purge, or constantly think about food can feel automatic and hard to interrupt, even when you know better. Eating patterns swing between extremes. Hunger cues feel off. Weight changes, energy crashes, and body discomfort happen despite genuine effort to do the “right” thing.

At that point it becomes clear that this isn’t simply about discipline or willpower. Eating disorders, medication-related weight changes, and metabolic issues can all affect how the brain and body regulate hunger, fullness, and energy. These are real biological and psychological processes, and they deserve thoughtful, experienced care.

How Monarch Telemed Helps

• We start with a full assessment to understand your specific patterns, triggers, history, and any co-occurring conditions (like anxiety, depression, or ADHD).

• We choose and adjust medications carefully, for example, to address binge urges (such as approved options for binge eating disorder), mood stability, anxiety that fuels restriction/purging, or side effects like medication-related weight gain/metabolic changes, starting low and monitoring closely.

• In every visit we discuss simple, realistic ways to support your body and mind: gentle nutrition awareness (without rigid rules), stress-reduction techniques (like grounding or breathing), movement that feels good rather than punitive, sleep habits, and small steps to interrupt cycles of shame or restriction.

• We keep sessions practical and focused, no long therapy assignments or overwhelming plans. Just clear next steps that fit your current life and energy.

Important Note on Treatment Scope and Cost

Treating disordered eating is often a larger endeavor than many other conditions because it involves complex interactions between thoughts, behaviors, body signals, and sometimes medical/ nutritional monitoring. Visits may require more time for thorough assessment, medication adjustments, side effect management (especially weight/metabolic concerns), and supportive guidance.

This can mean higher total costs depending on your insurance plan:

• There is no difference in copay amounts (your per-visit copay stays the same).

• The main difference comes if you have a large deductible that has not yet been met; more frequent or longer visits could apply more toward that deductible before insurance covers a higher percentage.

We will discuss this openly at your first visit and help you understand your plan's coverage. My goal is always effective, compassionate care that fits your needs and budget realities.

(If in crisis or need immediate support? Call or text 988, or contact a specialized eating disorder hotline like the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237.)