A consultation with a physician and physical can rule out fears regarding one’s health and identify potential or current problems.  Blood work and an EKG are necessities for someone with disordered eating patterns.  The blood tests can identify dangerous abnormalities caused by purging the EKG checks the heart.  Both are simple and quick tests that can assist the physician in treating the individual.  Honesty with the physician is of ultimate importance often very difficult but important!  Also an appointment with a dentist can help protect teeth and gums especially if purging by vomiting has been present longer than a couple of months. If your physician recommends treatment for the eating disorder remember the more support and help received, the easier the recovery. Keep in mind this is a serious illness!  One does not choose an eating disorder.  Most who develop eating disorders think that they can stop when they want to.  It is often a very sad day when the realization hits that ‘just stopping’ isn’t an easy thing to do.  By then the person often is so emerged into the disordered patterns that their lives are dictated by the obsessions and compulsions sadly.  People lose years of their lives to the eating disorder.  Recovery is a choice – and a very hard and courageous one. 

Eating disorders are diagnosed based on signs, symptoms and eating habits. When doctors suspect someone has an eating disorder, they typically run many tests or perform exams. These can help pinpoint a diagnosis and also check for related complications. You may see both a medical doctor and a mental health provider for a diagnosis.

Physical evaluations
These exams and tests generally include:

• Physical exam. This may include such things as measuring height, weight and body mass index; checking vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature; checking the skin for dryness or other problems; listening to the heart and lungs; and examining your abdomen.
• Laboratory tests. These may include a complete blood count (CBC), as well as more-specialized blood tests to check electrolytes and protein, as well as liver, kidney and thyroid function. A urinalysis also may be done.
• Other studies. X-rays may be taken to check for broken bones, pneumonia or heart problems. Electrocardiograms may be done to look for heart irregularities. You may also have a bone density test.

Psychological evaluations
In addition to a physical exam, you'll have a thorough psychological evaluation. Your doctor or mental health provider may ask you a number of questions about your eating habits, beliefs and behavior. The questions may focus on your history of dieting, bingeing, purging and exercise. You'll explore how you perceive your body image and how you think others perceive your body image. You may also fill out psychological self-assessments and questionnaires.

Diagnostic criteria
To be diagnosed with an eating disorder, you must meet criteria spelled out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association. Each eating disorder has its own set of diagnostic criteria. Your mental health provider will review your signs and symptoms to see if you meet the necessary diagnostic criteria for a particular eating disorder. Some people may not meet all of the criteria but still have an eating disorder and need professional help to overcome or manage it.

What does a medical doctor do to treat an eating disorder?

A doctor keeps track of a person's medical health by checking height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. It may be necessary to draw blood for lab tests, to make sure the chemicals in the body called electrolytes are stable. Electrolytes are the sodium, potassium, chloride, and carbon dioxide levels in your body. They keep the heart and body working properly. The doctor may recommend that a person stay in the hospital for a few days if her medical condition is dangerous.

The doctor may also order special tests such as an EKG to monitor heart rhythm or a bone density test (DEXA) to see if osteoporosis is present. The doctor will likely discuss treatments such as healthy eating, weight stabilization, calcium and vitamin supplements, exercise, hormone replacement, and possibly medication for anxiety or depression. Also, a doctor will usually recommend talking with a nutritionist and therapist as part of the treatment plan.