--- title: "Anorexia Treatment Program" date: 2025-08-04 author: "Chris Willson" --- # Anorexia Treatment Program ## What is anorexia nervosa? Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex eating disorder marked by restrictive eating, an intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted relationship with body image. While commonly associated with low body weight, anorexia can affect individuals across the weight spectrum and may not always present in visibly noticeable ways. People experiencing anorexia may live with overwhelming anxiety around food, self-worth tied to appearance, or a sense of control that manifests through restriction. This condition often goes hand-in-hand with perfectionism, self-criticism, and isolation. Without treatment, anorexia can lead to serious health complications affecting the heart, bones, digestive system, and overall functioning. But healing is possible with compassionate, whole-person care. ![7676a3aa2191ba84f4513cfc856b57dbd10dbd01](https://newcircle.com/wp-content/uploads/7676a3aa2191ba84f4513cfc856b57dbd10dbd01.webp "7676a3aa2191ba84f4513cfc856b57dbd10dbd01") ## Signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa Anorexia can present in both physical and emotional ways. Common signs include: ## Rapid or extreme weight loss ​​Intentional reduction in food intake leading to significant weight changes. ## Fatigue or fainting Low energy, dizziness, or blacking out due to malnutrition or dehydration. ## Cold intolerance & hair thinning Feeling cold all the time, brittle hair, or soft body hair (lanugo) as the body tries to protect itself. ## Preoccupation with food, calories, and body image Constant thoughts about food, meal planning, or body checking; rituals around eating. ## Avoiding meals or eating in secret Skipping meals, avoiding social eating situations, or hiding food-related behaviors. ## Mood changes or withdrawal Increased irritability, depression, anxiety, or pulling away from loved ones and interests. ## Overexercising Rigid, compulsive exercise routines used to “compensate” for eating. ## Digestive issues Constipation, bloating, or abdominal pain due to slowed gastrointestinal function. ## You deserve nourishment Healing from anorexia begins with safety, dignity, and trust. You are not alone. We’re here to guide you towards lasting recovery. [Get Started](/about/#contact) [Learn More](https://newcircle.com/admissions/) ## Anorexia treatment offerings At NewCircle, care for anorexia treatment is always tailored to the individual. We meet you where you are, with support that evolves alongside your healing: - **Residential Treatment:** 24/7 care in a nurturing home-like setting, surrounded by peers and staff who honor your story. - **Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP):** Daytime therapeutic structure with the opportunity to return home each night for rest and reconnection. - **Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP):** Three to five days of flexible programming per week for those balancing recovery with daily life. - **Individual and Group Therapy:** Individual and group therapy rooted in evidence-based practices—CBT, DBT, ACT, and more—to challenge perfectionism and build emotional resilience. - **Nutritional Counseling and Meal Support:** Gentle nutritional guidance, intuitive eating principles, and hands-on experiences in our educational kitchen. - **Family & Community Support:** Family therapy, education, and involvement to support a shared path of understanding and sustainable recovery. - **Dual Diagnosis Treatment:** Support for conditions like OCD, anxiety, or depression, which often overlap with anorexia. - **Creative and Movement-Based Therapies:** Somatic and expressive arts therapies to support reconnection with the body through movement, art, ceramics, and mindfulness. - **Inclusive Care:** A safe space for all genders, sexualities, races, and sizes, with therapists trained in [culturally attuned](/programs/bipoc/), [inclusive care](/programs/lgbtqia/). - **Service Dog Support:** Certified therapy dogs bring comfort, presence, and connection throughout your day. ![994ffa12fcc16c1330ba5b195e53de58e165c806](https://newcircle.com/wp-content/uploads/994ffa12fcc16c1330ba5b195e53de58e165c806.webp "994ffa12fcc16c1330ba5b195e53de58e165c806") ## What happens after treatment? Anorexia recovery is a long-term journey—one that doesn’t end after residential or intensive treatment. At NewCircle, we help you build a personalized aftercare plan that includes therapy, nutrition follow-ups, and access to community resources. Whether you continue in our IOP, transition to outpatient care, or join a local support group, you’ll never be walking alone. ### NewCircle Reviews *“After my whole life of never being sure I could get help, this place blew me out of the water. I have fully graduated out of the program and my life is forever changed. All of the staff are amazing individuals who are there to really change lives. The facility is beautiful and has so many amazing qualities that it would take me pages to describe them. If you need help, I HIGHLY recommend here!”* ##### – Residential Alumni, NewCircle ###### *Date: 1/6/2026* *“New Circle really did change my life for the better. I completed two months of Res and a month of PHP. The RC’s (especially Timmy) are fantastic and wonderful. Larry is the best intake coordinator in the WORLD (so kind and communicative!). The clinicians helped me work through so many struggles and to build a support system at home. This treatment program is SO individualized; it is able to meet the needs of so many individuals. There are so many things I could say, so I will leave it on this note…. If you are considering coming to New Circle, yes. Come, without a doubt. I am in a larger body, and that did not negatively impact my treatment whatsoever. I felt very accepted by staff. After struggling with my eating disorder from early childhood into adulthood, I’m finally able to see a life for myself without bulimia.”* ##### – Residential & PHP Alumni, NewCircle ###### *Date: 3/10/2026* *“I would suggest this program to anybody struggling with an eating disorder. This program is so supportive and positive the people who work here really care about their jobs and the effect they have on others. From therapists all the way to nursing, everyone here is amazing!! If you’re struggling in any way, please call NewCircle.”* ##### – Program Alumni, NewCircle ###### *Date: 2/20/2026* ## Frequently asked questions ### [Is anorexia only diagnosed in people who are underweight?](#432fe4d27875bfdf4) No. Atypical anorexia includes all the same behaviors and risks as anorexia, even when body weight does not fall below traditional clinical guidelines. All forms of anorexia are serious and deserve care. ### [Can anorexia cause long-term health issues?](#7a72a2f2fda851f1e) Yes. Anorexia can impact heart function, bone density, fertility, and other systems. Early intervention and continued care can help minimize these risks and support full recovery. ### [Is it possible to recover from anorexia?](#61a42cc74bfa4c7d0) Absolutely. With the right support, it’s possible to heal your relationship with food, body, and self. Many people go on to live vibrant, connected, nourished lives. ### [How long will anorexia treatment take?](#c2bd5db6ff67bb0fe) Each journey is different. Length of stay depends on individual needs, but our team will work with you every step of the way to find the right pace for lasting progress. ### [What makes NewCircle’s approach to anorexia treatment different?](#2a99b26097c9664e2) We combine evidence-based treatment with compassion, community, and deep respect for your lived experience. You are not a diagnosis—you are a whole person, worthy of care. ## Featured Articles - ![Three young women sitting on the grass in a sunny park, representing hopeful recovery and social connection after orthorexia.](https://newcircle.com/wp-content/uploads/women-outdoors.webp "Is It Healthy Eating or Orthorexia Nervosa? 2") March 26, 2026•12 min• ### Is It Healthy Eating or Orthorexia Nervosa? Content note: This article talks about eating disorders and orthorexia \[...\] [Read More](https://newcircle.com/blog/is-it-healthy-eating-or-orthorexia-nervosa/) - ![Two young women sitting together on a bed, smiling and writing in journals with colored pencils, representing compassionate support for eating disorders at NewCircle.](https://newcircle.com/wp-content/uploads/support-for-eating-disorders-scaled.webp "Support for eating disorders") February 26, 2026•6 min• ### How to Support a Loved One in Eating Disorder Treatment Content Note: This article is for informational purposes only and \[...\] [Read More](https://newcircle.com/blog/how-to-support-a-loved-one-in-ed-treatment/) - ![One of the activities at a weight-neutral eating disorder treatment center in Birmingham, AL.](https://newcircle.com/wp-content/uploads/Art-Therapy-scaled.webp "Art therapy at NewCircle") February 23, 2026•7 min• ### Beyond the Scale: The Importance of Weight-Neutral Eating Disorder Treatment Content note: This article discusses eating disorders and weight stigma. It \[...\] [Read More](https://newcircle.com/blog/weight-neutral-ed-treatment/) [View all articles](/blog/)