Anorexia Support in St. Louis & Beyond
Compassionate help for those struggling with restriction, rules, and food-related fear.
If you’re here because something just doesn’t feel right with food, you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve been eating less and less and it still doesn’t feel like “enough.” Maybe you’ve lost weight, thrown away food, lied to others about your meals, or found yourself feeling proud, scared, and ashamed all at the same time.
You might think it’s not that bad.
You might think you’re just trying to be healthy.
You might wonder if you’re addicted to sugar, out of control, or doing what you have to do to stay in shape.
We’re here to help you make sense of what’s going on and get support that truly honors your full self.
What is Anorexia? (Hint: It’s not just about weight.)
Anorexia Nervosa is a serious eating disorder that’s often misunderstood. It’s not just about eating “too little” or being “underweight.” At its core, anorexia is about not eating enough to fuel your body, often driven by fear, anxiety, and an overwhelming sense of needing to stay in control.
People with anorexia typically feel distressed when food decisions go off plan. They may struggle to be spontaneous, flexible, or present during meals. Some restrict the types of foods they eat. Others feel like they eat “a lot” but deep down, question whether it is really enough.
Many of our clients describe it like this: “No matter what I eat or don’t eat, I can’t win. I feel like I’m in food prison.”
Signs You Might Be Struggling with Anorexia
Even if you don’t meet all the diagnostic criteria, if food is dominating your thoughts or decisions; it’s worth exploring.
You feel guilty or anxious after eating
You follow strict food rules and feel panicked if you break them
You avoid social events that involve food
You eat “clean” but the list of safe foods keeps getting smaller
You have trouble concentrating, sleeping, or relaxing
You feel agitated or disconnected from others
You can’t stop thinking about food, your body, or how to “fix” it
You don’t have to be “sick enough” to deserve support. If food and body thoughts are affecting your life — that’s enough.
Common Thoughts from People with Anorexia
We often hear:
“But I’m not hungry, so I must be fine.”
“I’m not losing weight anymore; so I don’t need more food.”
“How do you know this isn’t just my natural body weight?”
“My doctor said my labs are fine.
“I’m not like those people with eating disorders.”
These thoughts are incredibly common. And they make sense in the context of a society that praises self-control, thinness, and restriction. But that doesn’t mean they’re serving you — or your body.
How Anorexia Can Affect Your Life
Anorexia isn’t just about food. It impacts nearly every part of life:
Energy: Constant fatigue, dizziness, cold sensitivity
Sleep: Trouble falling or staying asleep
Focus: Re-reading the same sentence 5 times, zoning out
Mood: Irritability, low motivation, numbness
Relationships: Withdrawal, short temper, avoiding intimacy
Reproductive Health: Irregular or missing periods, fertility concerns
No matter how long you have been struggling, there is always hope for full recovery. Our team of Registered Dietitians in St. Louis are invested in helping you get out of the dark moments of anorexia, and into a life you love.
Anorexia Recovery at Balanced Nutrition Therapy
We offer a whole-person approach to healing from anorexia. We’ll help you nourish your body, reconnect with your values, and move toward freedom; not just more food rules.
1:1 Nutrition Therapy with Registered Dietitians
Build structured, flexible meals that meet your needs
Address medical risks & repletion
Get education around how food supports mental health
Recovery Coaching Options
Text support and accountability between sessions
Build a personalized toolbox of coping skills that work for YOU
Grocery support and post-meal processing
Weekly Support Groups
Our FREE support group for ages 18+ meets in person on a weekly basis.
The Recovery Pathway series is a closed group that dives deeper into specific topics for 6 weeks at a time.
Pre-registration is required, no need to be a current client.
Team Collaboration
We stay in close contact with your therapist, doctor, or treatment team to ensure your care is collaborative and personalized.
Community Support
Our unique Everyday Recovery program offers additional community and accountability for a stronger recovery.
Not in St. Louis? We’ve Got You.
Our office is in Crestwood, MO, and we work with clients across the Greater St. Louis area.
We also offer virtual support in multiple states and our recovery coach is available worldwide.
FAQ: Real Questions from Real Clients
Do I have to be underweight to have anorexia?
No way! In fact, most of our clients wouldn’t be considered “underweight.” What really matters is how your relationship with food is impacting your life. If it feels rigid, stressful, or like you’re stuck in a loop — that’s enough to reach out.
What if I don’t look sick enough?
This is one of the most common thoughts we hear. You don’t have to “look” a certain way to be struggling. Eating disorders can happen at any size, gender, or background.
What’s the difference between an RD and a Recovery Coach?
Your RD will work with you on medical needs, meal planning, and restoring nutrition. Your Recovery Coach helps you carry it all out in real life, guiding you through grocery shopping, meals, hard moments, and everything in between.
Can you work with my therapist or doctor?
Absolutely. We believe recovery is strongest when your support team is connected. With your permission, we’ll collaborate with other providers in your life.
Next Steps for Anorexia Recovery
You don’t have to feel ready. You just have to be willing.
We’re here to meet you wherever you are — no judgment, no shame, just steady support. Whether you’ve been struggling for a long time or just had your first “oh no” moment, we’re ready to walk with you.
Reach out today to get matched with a dietitian or recovery coach
Join a free support group to dip your toe into community
Explore our Everyday Recovery Membership for the structure + connection you need to recover in real life.
Recovery Is Possible. You Are Not Alone.
You don’t have to live in shame or secrecy any longer. You deserve to been seen, heard, and understood. Our team is ready to listen to your story.