How the ED People Are Pushing the Masses Away
Has the eating disorder community pushed the envelope a little too far?
It's a nuanced conversation, one that doesn't lend itself to easy answers. As we endorse concepts like health at every size, intuitive eating, and body love, are we inadvertently alienating those who need our message the most?
Listen to the Episode Now
If this post resonates with you or makes you feel something, share it with a friend! My hope is that we can keep this important conversation going long after the post is over.
At the core of it all lies a fundamental question: How did we get here, and what can we do to prevent further suffering?
I firmly believe that the key lies in early detection and prevention. Whether you're a psychiatrist pediatrician, therapist, or dietitian, your ability to recognize the early signs of disordered eating and intervene can truly make a world of difference. It's about becoming part of the solution, steering individuals away from the brink of despair, and towards a path of healing and recovery.
While some may find solace and validation in the principles of body positivity and inclusivity, others may feel overwhelmed or even resistant to these ideas. And that's okay. We're all at different points on our journey, and it's essential to meet people where they are.
But let's address the elephant in the room: the misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding concepts like health at every size, intuitive eating, and body love. Contrary to popular belief, these ideas aren't about ignoring health concerns or promoting unhealthy behaviors. Instead, they're about fostering respect, acceptance, and a more compassionate relationship with our bodies and food.
In this episode, I'm talking about:
The importance of prevention and early detection in addressing eating disorders.
The role of clinicians; pediatricians, therapists, and dietitians in recognizing the negative impacts of food relationships early on.
Exploring how the eating disorder community may have pushed certain ideas to the extreme.
The nuances behind concepts like "health at every size" (and a bit about that I’m no longer loving the movement.)
Respecting all bodies and advocating for equal treatment regardless of size, rather than claiming everyone is healthy at every size.
Misconceptions about intuitive eating.
Addressing the idea that all foods are equal morally, not nutritionally.
The need for different approaches based on individuals' relationships with food.
The interpretations of body love, body positivity, and body acceptance.
Tweetable Quotes
"All foods are morally equal, which means that you're not a good person for eating salad and you're not a bad person for having chocolate." - Rachelle Heinemann
"Intuitive eating is not going to help you if you suffer from a binge eating disorder." - Rachelle Heinemann
"Some people love the idea of being able to eventually love their body and really appreciate their body." - Rachelle Heinemann
Resources
Grab the replay of my Basics of Assessment and Early Treatment of Eating Disorder Webinar
Related Episodes
Episode 119. Eating Disorders Don’t Have a Look
Episode 114. What Every Therapist Wished Psychiatrists Knew About Eating Disorders
Episode 108. The 1 Thing That Affects Every Single Person with an ED
Episode 98. Body Stuff with Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani
Episode 96. What ED People Got Wrong About Science with Dr. A'nna Roby
Episode 88. Did We Take Intuitive Eating Too Far?
Episode 77. How to Accept Your Body
Newsletter update: If you’re not already signed up for my newsletter, then I’m not sure what you’re waiting for! I’m ✨obsessed ✨ with it. In an effort to keep things fun and fresh, we’re going to monthly newsletters rather than weekly. If you have any feedback on what you want to see in the newsletters, reply back to one or send me a message!
Grab my FREEBIE!: As you navigate recovery, you may be feeling like something is missing. You're doing a lot of work challenging yourself with the food, your body, and exercise. You're probably working on lots of other things at the same time, like stuff at work or relationship issues.
But, still, something doesn't feel like you're getting to the bottom of it. Grab my free journal prompts below and begin to work through the emotions of healing.
More From Rachelle
Hey there! I’m Rachelle, the host of the Understanding Disordered Eating Podcast. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I work with clients to make sense of life’s messy emotional experiences.
I believe in the power of deep work and its positive impact on your life in the long term. Learn more about how we can work together here.
Sign up for my weekly newsletter for even more!
You can connect with me on Instagram, through my website or email me directly clicking the links below.
Subscribe & Leave A Review!
If you enjoyed this episode, you can show your support by leaving a review, subscribing, or sharing with someone who may need help. Click here to open this show in iTunes and leave a five star rating and review.