This is why a doctor won't tell his patient: "stop FOO". Instead, they might nudge him with information. Respecting the patients knowledge and struggle, a doctor is understanding, supporting and able to connect with others who have successfully "stopped FOO".

A good doctor understands that an eating disorder is part of a complex, intertwined and difficult to understand network of causes and effects. Helping the patient understand the complexity of the situation is often the first step towards a permanent solution.