Recovering from an eating disorder could take years, especially if the patient relapses. Fortunately, most people treated for eating disorders fully recover and are able to live normal, happy lives without worrying about food all the time.

There are many types of treatment for eating disorders...

Inpatient treatment
Eating disordered girls who need care on a daily basis may go away to a rehabilitation center or halfway house. Many inpatient programs only treat women and girls, but some are co-ed.

Girls with severe eating disorders may be treated at a program that staffs medical doctors around the clock, while girls in recovery are likely to have more relaxed treatment with therapists and dieticians. Routines and activities vary with each facility, but many of them include group sessions, one-on-one therapy, medical evaluations, weigh-ins, nutritional counseling, art therapy, medication administration, spiritual exploration and prayer, meal times and social or leisure activities. Some inpatient treatment centers also have day programs for girls who are well enough to go to work or school, but are not fully recovered.

Outpatient treatment
Instead of staying at a recovery facility overnight, many girls choose outpatient treatment. In outpatient treatment, girls meet with therapists, dieticians or physicians several times a week and usually follow specific eating plans.

Therapy
Therapy (individual, family, or group) is usually necessary to treat issues of distorted self-esteem and self-perception. Sessions help the patient examine how attitudes about food, dieting, weight and body shape may affect her behavior. Therapy is used to focus on interpersonal relationships and how they affect eating habits and attitudes. Art therapy and other alternative forms of therapy can help people recover from eating disorders through creative self-expression.

Support groups
Support groups like Eating Disorders Anonymous and Overeaters Anonymous hold group sessions to help people with eating disorders cope with their disease. At these meetings, members help each other recover by sharing their experiences with eating disorders. There are also online support groups for eating disorders.