It might not even be that someone is incapable of critical/independent thinking. If they are not mature about their emotional regulation, and aware of how this affects their decision making.

Especially when there is so much disordered eating, used as a coping mechanism, and the big mistake is not developing more variety of coping strategies. A book about treating addictions once emphasized how much addictions simplify the addict's life. But it also infantilizes, trapping them from even forming the idea of changing their behaviors.

Whatever people need to give them the space to grow up, that's what will work. Getting the great feedback from my body about lowering carbs kept me on plan, or got me back on plan.

"Feeling mentally and physically better" became my new coping skill, to replace the "goodies plan" which was all young me could come up with.

I grew up. I can do better. Which is how I did.