About Dr. Jane Rachel Kaplan
and Optimal Eating

Jane Rachel Kaplan, Ph.D., M.P.H. was a psychologist working in the area of food and eating for over 40 years. She worked with those with severe eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia, and also helped those with overeating and weight management issues.

She taught therapists, physicians, nutritionists and other health care professionals and educators about eating disorders. She consulted to organizations on training and prevention projects in the area of eating issues. She was also an author of three books; her informative articles are available on this site.

Dr. Kaplan received her Ph.D. in 1975 from the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego, and her M.P.H. (Masters in Public Health) from the University of California at Berkeley in 1980. She developed and directed a weight management program for Alta Bates Medical Center in Berkeley, California and was involved with other program planning and development projects. She was on the Alta Bates Medical Staff, Affiliate status, for over 20 years. Her commitment was to provide excellent clinical, consultation and educational services as well as to write and produce innovative materials. Her goal was to help people heal from food and eating problems, and we're continuing to provide her resources here as an important part of her legacy.

This site provides information for those with eating disorders and weight management issues. Dr. Kaplan worked with adults, adolescents, families, and parents of younger children. She also consulted to programs and trained medical and educational professionals in the treatment of eating and weight disorders. 

Dr. Kaplan authored articles and books about eating and weight disorders. She also identified other reliable resources on this subject, and recommends several excellent books.