Basics of Pica
BASICS OF PICA: WHEN CLIENTS EAT NONFOOD SUBSTANCES
Have you had a patient or client who is eating a substance that is not intended to be consumed? Did it surprise you to hear what substance they were eating and how much? Were you unsure what to do about it? This webinar will discuss specific details about pica, a disorder where a person consumes substances that are not food. This condition commonly occurs in cultures in rural areas, during pregnancy and lactation, and in children, but it can affect anyone at any time. Some things eaten are even food items, like baking soda, but are consumed in raw form. During this webinar, attendees will learn how to detect, diagnose, and treat pica nutritionally. Effects of pica will be examined. A case study will be presented to help understand how the information from the webinar applies to client situations.
Upon successful completion of this one-hour course, the participant should be able to:
  • Define pica and the signs and symptoms.


  • Distinguish pica from other disorders and properly diagnose it.


  • List medical concerns related to pica.


  • Understand nutritional counseling methods to use with clients who have pica.
Live Event Date: Mar 26, 2024
Expiration Date: Mar 26, 2027
Performance Indicators/Learning Objectives: 1.7.4, 4.2.7, 8.1.2, 9.4.5
Target Audience: RDs, DTRs, Health Professionals
Number of Credits: 1.0
Level(s): 1
Total Cost: 1 Site Credit

About the Presenter: Julie Brake, MS, RDN, LD
Julie Brake

Julie Brake is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Licensed by the State of Georgia, specializing in family nutrition, sports nutrition, and prevention and treatment of disordered eating. She has also counseled clients for weight management and various nutritional concerns. She received both her Bachelor’s degree and her Master’s degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University of Florida.

Julie has been a private practice dietitian since 2005 and has worked with families and kids with eating issues since 2002. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as well as the Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is also a member of the Sports and Human Performance Nutrition (SPHN) Dietetic Practice Group; the Behavioral Health Nutrition (BHN) DPG; and the Nutrition Entrepreneurs (NE) DPG; as well as the International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians (IFEDD).She has presented several webinars for Dietitian Central as a speaker since 2017. Her private practice is currently located in Marietta, GA. Julie participates in networking groups in metro Atlanta with dietitians and other professionals. She has provided presentations to professionals as well as to businesses and schools. She also writes nutrition articles and tips as opportunities arise.

Julie enjoys helping others find a healthy balance with eating attitudes and behaviors. She has experience with various approaches and it is her pleasure to work closely with other counselors and professionals to change people’s lives.

Other Webinars by this Presenter/Organization:
The Nutrition Counseling Process for Disordered Eating

The Nutrition Counseling Process for Disordered Eating

Live event: Jun 12,2025 - (04:00 PM - 05:00 PM)

Rating: Not Yet Rated

Instructor: Julie Brake, MS, RDN, LD

Duration: 1 hours

Ethics and Eating Disorders

Ethics and Eating Disorders

On Demand
Live Date: (Apr 17,2025)

Rating: 4.73 out of 5

Instructor: Julie Brake, MS, RDN, LD

Duration: 1 hours

Developing Eating Plans: Structure for Disordered Eating Clients and Beyond

Developing Eating Plans: Structure for Disordered Eating Clients and Beyond

On Demand
Live Date: (Mar 27,2025)

Rating: 4.55 out of 5

Instructor: Julie Brake, MS, RDN, LD

Duration: 1 hours

What All Dietitians Should Know About Eating Disorders

What All Dietitians Should Know About Eating Disorders

On Demand
Live Date: (Jan 21,2025)

Rating: 4.78 out of 5

Instructor: Julie Brake, MS, RDN, LD

Duration: 1 hours

Family-Based Nutrition Counseling

Family-Based Nutrition Counseling and Disordered Eating Treatment

On Demand
Live Date: (Feb 13,2024)

Rating: 4.73 out of 5

Instructor: Julie Brake, MS, RDN, LD

Duration: 1 hours