PHOTO BY HEIDI HARRIS

EQUIPPED FOR RECOVERY

Equip provides virtual, evidence-based treatment for children and young adults with eating disorders.

Katherine Hill, MD, FAAP, vice president of medical affairs at Equip. PHOTO COURTESY OF EQUIP

An estimated 5 million Americans develop an eating disorder (ED) every year—making it the second-deadliest mental illness, second only to opioid addiction. According to Katherine Hill, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician, eating disorder specialist and vice president of medical affairs at Equip (equip.health), the prevalence of eating disorders has skyrocketed since the start of the pandemic. And, unfortunately, less than 25% of Americans with an ED will receive treatment.“Most Americans do not live near any eating disorder programs, and families often have to send their loved ones away from home to receive treatment,” she explains.

By offering virtual, evidence-based ED treatment to patients ages 6 through 24 in all 50 states, Equip hopes to improve access to treatment while also educating medical providers and the general public about eating disorders. The program builds on traditional family-based treatment (FBT), the leading evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents with eating disorders. “One of the reasons FBT is effective is that it keeps children and teens at home with their families while giving them coping skills in the context of their usual life,” explains Hill. All Equip patients and families are matched with a dedicated, five-person care team, which includes a therapist, dietitian, medical provider, peer mentor and family mentor. Families also have access to a number of resources like nutrition classes and body image groups to help them practice the skills they need for lasting recovery. Equip also offers a weekly family support group that is free and open to the public.“Equip’s virtual treatment model empowers families to help their loved one recover at home,” she says. “They can connect with their provider team from anywhere, which means the entire family can continue to be invested in life through hobbies, school, work and friendships.”

After eight weeks of treatment, 80% of patients report a reduction in eating disorder symptoms and 70% report improvements in mood. “Eating disorders are complex and largely genetic brain disorders that affect people of all ages, races, genders, ethnicities, body sizes and socioeconomic statuses,” she continues. “My ultimate goal is to help change the narrative so everyone with an eating disorder can receive effective treatment without barriers or stigma.”