A staggering number of people are struggling with obesity and binge eating disorder. According to the eating disorder specialists at The Ranch (Tennessee) rehabilitation center, now more than ever it is critical for healthcare providers and treatment professionals to be familiar with how to diagnose and effectively treat these conditions. On October 21, from 8:45 a.m. to noon, therapists, healthcare providers and eating disorder treatment professionals will gather at the Marriott Miami Dadeland to learn some of the most innovative and effective strategies for treating binge eating disorder and obesity. Attendees will gain expert insights from Carolyn Coker Ross, MD, MPH, an internationally known pioneer in the use of integrative medicine for the treatment of eating disorders, obesity and addictions. Dr. Ross has headed some of the nation’s leading eating disorders programs, such as The Ranch in Tennessee, and is the author of three books on the uses of integrative medicine. Titled “Understanding and Exploring the Power of Integrative Medicine in the Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder and Obesity,” the highly anticipated workshop will address:

• The health risks of binge eating disorder and obesity
• Evidence-based integrative and holistic therapies
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies in binge eating disorder and obesity
• The most popular diets and their effectiveness
• Strategies for transforming patients’ relationship with food

“Obesity and binge eating disorder are not about food but about how an individual uses food,” said Dr. Ross. “In the same way, treatment is not about dieting but learning different approaches to eat healthfully and manage emotions so clients can stop using food in a harmful way.” Dr. Ross is an eating disorders consultant at The Ranch, a Tennessee rehabilitation center for eating disorders, addictions and other mental health issues. Her integrative approach, which combines conventional and alternative medicine to treat the whole person, serves as the foundation of eating disorder treatment at The Ranch. “Integrative medicine gives people struggling with obesity and binge eating disorder a sustainable way to change their lives that doesn’t involve dieting or deprivation,” Dr. Ross explained. Eating disorder treatment at The Ranch features yoga, tai chi, Native American spiritual ceremonies, equine therapy, adventure therapy and other holistic therapies designed to heal mind, body and spirit. While many obesity and binge eating disorder treatments focus on a number on the scale, The Ranch looks at the whole person, including how genetics, sleep, co-occurring addictions and emotions affect clients’ weight. Another feature that makes The Ranch unique is that it equips clients with skills for real-world living. Rather than hiding from “fear foods” or “binge foods,” clients plan their own menus and prepare meals with guidance from a nutritionist. Interpersonal and communication skills are fine-tuned as a result of The Ranch’s small community model, whereby clients live, share meals and participate in therapeutic activities as part of a family-like group. The Oct. 21 workshop will be hosted by the Miami chapter of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP); Elements Behavioral Health; Promises Treatment Centers; The Ranch; and the Sexual Recovery Institute.