pregorexia treatment

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pregorexia treatment for adults and adolescents

Pregorexia is a serious and often misunderstood condition in which expectant mothers engage in restrictive eating, excessive exercise, or other behaviors to control weight gain during pregnancy. At Galen Hope, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care for pregnant individuals who are struggling with these behaviors. Our programs are designed to support both physical health and emotional well-being, ensuring a safer pregnancy for both parent and baby. 

what is pregorexia?

Pregorexia is not an official medical diagnosis but is widely recognized as a term describing eating disorder behaviors during pregnancy. Individuals may restrict calories, overexercise, or use other methods to prevent weight gain, despite the health risks to themselves and their developing baby. Pregorexia can lead to complications such as nutrient deficiencies, low birth weight, preterm birth, and increased stress or anxiety for the parent. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for protecting both maternal and fetal health. 

our approach to pregorexia treatment

At Galen Hope, we take a multidisciplinary approach that addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of pregorexia. Our team includes therapists, registered dietitians, and medical professionals who collaborate to create individualized care plans. We focus on helping clients develop healthy eating habits, reduce anxiety around weight gain, and cultivate self-compassion during pregnancy. By combining evidence-based therapy with nutritional guidance and medical oversight, we aim to ensure the safest possible outcomes for both parent and child. 

    what pregorexia treatment might look like at galen hope

    1. connect


    Connect with us: A compassionate care coordinator will listen and help you take the first step towards healing and moving forward with your life.

    2. Collaborate


    Collaborate on your treatment plan: Our expert clinical team will design a personalized roadmap based on your goals, needs, and life circumstances.

    3. Engage


    Engage in our healing community: Participate in a structured, supportive treatment program alongside peers and professionals who understand trauma.

    4. Healing


    Begin your journey toward lasting healing: As symptoms ease, you will develop skills, insight, and a renewed sense of self to carry with you long after treatment ends.

    typical pregorexia clients we work with

    Galen Hope serves clients from across the United States and beyond, offering compassionate, expert care to individuals from states like: Florida, New York, Texas, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Illinois, Wisconsin, Montana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona, Tennessee, Washington, Maryland, Virginia, and more. Many clients travel nationally and internationally to receive personalized treatment in our welcoming, supportive environment. Our programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of those seeking deeper healing—no matter where they’re coming from.

    At Galen Hope, we provide care for pregnant individuals of all ages who are struggling with restrictive eating, excessive exercise, or anxiety around weight gain. Our clients include adolescents, teens, college students, and adults, each of whom receives personalized support that prioritizes both their health and the well-being of their baby. 

    We also welcome individuals from diverse communities, including men and women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, BIPOC and Latin/Hispanic communities, and those with a history of trauma or neurodivergence. Families and partners are encouraged to be part of the recovery process, creating a supportive environment that fosters physical, emotional, and relational healing during pregnancy.

    we invite you here to heal in your own very special way

    At Galen Hope, every client is immediately acknowledged as an individual whose story may not be represented by traditional diagnostic criteria. We seek to fully understand their life experience and to provide them with an affirming environment where they feel accepted and supported.

    For someone struggling with an eating disorder or mental illness, finding a place in the world, forming connections, developing meaning and purpose in life, and having day-to-day support is vital to better outcomes, long-term health, and well-being. We create a sense of community inside our doors, where we facilitate a commitment to recovery. We find tremendous meaning in bringing someone into our circle and helping them recognize the importance they play in it. It is through these relationships that healing takes place and clients begin to develop the skills to live both independently and in relation to others.

    pregorexia faqs

    Community Group

    how do i know if i have pregorexia?

    Pregorexia may be present if you are restricting food, overexercising, or using other methods to control weight gain during pregnancy, even when these behaviors are harmful. Persistent anxiety about weight or body shape, along with secrecy around eating habits, can also be indicators. If these behaviors are affecting your health or emotional well-being, it’s important to seek professional evaluation. 

    what are the warning signs of pregorexia?

    Warning signs include extreme calorie restriction, obsession with exercise, frequent checking of weight or body shape, and avoidance of foods considered “fattening.” Emotional indicators can include anxiety, guilt, or shame around eating or pregnancy changes. Physical warning signs may include fatigue, dizziness, or nutrient deficiencies. 

    can pregorexia harm my baby?

    Yes, pregorexia can have serious consequences for both parent and baby. Restrictive eating and nutrient deficiencies can lead to low birth weight, preterm birth, or developmental complications. Early intervention and proper support are critical for minimizing risks and promoting a healthy pregnancy. 

    why am I afraid of gaining weight during pregnancy?

    Fear of weight gain during pregnancy can be influenced by societal pressures, past experiences with body image, or underlying eating disorder tendencies. For some, this fear becomes extreme and leads to restrictive or compensatory behaviors. Therapy and nutritional support can help address these fears and cultivate a healthier, more compassionate relationship with your changing body. 

    what’s the difference between pregorexia and typical pregnancy body image concerns?

    Many people experience worry or discomfort with pregnancy-related body changes, which is normal. Pregorexia involves persistent, harmful behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain or controlling shape, along with significant anxiety or distress. The difference lies in the severity and impact: pregorexia poses real health risks for both parent and baby, whereas typical body image concerns do not generally endanger health. 

    what’s the difference between an inpatient vs outpatient treatment center?

    Inpatient treatment centers provide 24/7 medical supervision, which may be necessary for pregnant individuals experiencing severe health complications from restrictive eating. Outpatient centers allow clients to live at home while attending scheduled therapy, nutritional counseling, and medical appointments. 

    Galen Hope is an outpatient treatment center that offers comprehensive, closely monitored care for pregorexia, supporting both the parent’s and baby’s health while allowing clients to remain connected to their daily lives.

    how can I help a friend or family member with refeeding syndrome?

    Supporting someone with pregorexia begins with compassion and open, nonjudgmental communication. Encourage them to seek professional care and offer to help with appointments, meal planning, or emotional support. Avoid focusing solely on food or weight; instead, emphasize overall health and well-being. It’s also important to take care of yourself so you can provide steady and patient support throughout their recovery journey. 

    does galen hope take insurance?

    Yes. Galen Hope accepts insurance for mental health and eating disorder treatment. We are in-network with ComPsych, Claritev (formerly called Multiplan), Aetna, and Optum/UnitedHealthcare plans. We also work with many out-of-network insurance providers and offer benefit verification to help you understand your options.

    What insurance plans does Galen Hope accept for eating disorder and mental health treatment?

    Galen Hope is currently in-network with ComPsych, Multiplan, Aetna, and select Optum/UnitedHealthcare plans. Through our Optum contract, we may also be able to work with commercial plans such as UnitedHealthcare, AvMed, and Oscar. We also support many clients through out-of-network benefits with providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, First Health, and others. To determine how your specific plan may apply to treatment, please contact us for a complimentary insurance verification.

    Can I use out-of-network insurance to pay for treatment at Galen Hope?

    In some instances, we can accept out-of-network (OON) as full payment while in others, we provide a scaled partial payment. This may also be connected with your out or pocket max, as well as co-pays and co-insurance. The degree to which out of network benefits cover the full cost of treatment varies greatly from policy to policy. In some instances it can serve as full payment, while others may cover a portion. In all cases, individuals using out of network benefits will be subject to paying their out-of-network deductible and other fees such as the out of pocket max, co-insurance or co-pays as dictated by your insurance policy.

    Does Galen Hope help verify insurance benefits for treatment?

    Absolutely. We offer free insurance benefit verification to help you understand what your policy may cover before you begin treatment. We aim to provide full transparency around coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs.

    Can I get a Single Case Agreement (SCA) for treatment at Galen Hope?

    When clinically indicated and appropriate, we pursue Single Case Agreements (SCAs) to help families access in-network-level coverage with an out-of-network provider. Our team advocates on your behalf and provides clinical documentation to support the request. We encourage you to call us so that we can determine if a SCA is warranted.

    What happens if my insurance stops covering treatment early?

    If your insurance coverage ends unexpectedly and we believe the denial of care is not in your best clinical interest, our team will work directly with your insurance carrier to appeal the decision. You will receive timely notification of any changes in authorizations for care in order to explore financial options and clinical recommendations to help minimize any disruption in care.

    How can I find out what my insurance covers for eating disorder or mental health treatment?

    Our admissions team will assess your insurance policy, the recommended level of care, and your treatment location to give you a clear understanding of what your plan is likely to cover. We’ll guide you every step of the way.

    Are insurance benefits different depending on where I live?

    Yes. Insurance coverage may vary by state and plan type. We consider your plan’s regional requirements when evaluating your benefits.

    Will I know my treatment costs before starting at Galen Hope?

    Yes. Before admission, we’ll walk you through all anticipated costs, including what insurance is likely to cover and any out-of-pocket expenses, so there are no surprises.

    Can Galen Hope help me understand my insurance coverage?

    Yes. Our experienced admissions team will break down your policy, explain your mental health or eating disorder benefits, and help you make the most informed decision possible.

    our pregorexia treatment centers in florida

    At Galen Hope, we provide care for pregnant individuals of all ages who are struggling with restrictive eating, excessive exercise, or anxiety around weight gain. Our clients include adolescents, teens, college students, and adults, each of whom receives personalized support that prioritizes both their health and the well-being of their baby.

    We also welcome individuals from diverse communities, including men and women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, BIPOC and Latin/Hispanic communities, and those with a history of trauma or neurodivergence. Families and partners are encouraged to be part of the recovery process, creating a supportive environment that fosters physical, emotional, and relational healing during pregnancy.

    Galen Hope proudly serves clients across South Florida through our two conveniently located treatment centers. Our Coral Gables location, just south of Miami and ~30 miles south of Fort Lauderdale, offers accessible care in a vibrant, culturally rich setting. In Delray Beach—just south of Palm Beach—clients will find a serene and supportive environment ideal for healing and growth. Whether you’re local to Florida or traveling from out of state, our programs offer a safe, welcoming space for true healing and growth.

    coral gables

    Address: 806 Douglas Road, Suite 625
    Coral Gables, FL 33445

    delray beach

    Address: 4600 Linton Blvd.
    Delray Beach, FL 33445