All articles tagged with #eating disorders
Researchers are exploring interoception, the body's ability to sense internal signals, as a potential sixth sense that helps regulate mood and mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and eating disorders, with findings noting sex differences and links to mood stability and treatment potential, though the field remains debated.
A University of Louisville–led study published in JAMA Psychiatry finds that among people with eating disorders, about 32% have used GLP-1 medications (e.g., semaglutide in Ozempic/Wegovy) at some point, and roughly 22% are current users—rates much higher than the general public—while about 10% report misuse (such as higher or non-prescribed dosages or sharing). GLP-1s are not indicated for eating disorders, and some individuals may be using them to achieve rapid weight loss or extreme restriction. The researchers emphasize the need for stricter pharmacovigilance as GLP-1 products broaden in form and market reach.
Pregnancy can trigger or reveal eating disorders in about 1 in 20 women, risking serious maternal and fetal complications and postpartum relapse; the issue is often under-detected due to stigma and overlapping symptoms, prompting new guidelines and resources to support non-judgmental, coordinated care.
Shania Twain revealed that during her 2019 Las Vegas residency she engaged in unhealthy behaviors to stay thinner, overworking and under-fueling her body, which left her bloated, out of control, malnourished and even injured on stage. She now credits menopause and a shift in perspective for embracing her aging body and practicing self-acceptance.
Orthorexia is a growing preoccupation with “healthy” eating that isn’t yet a formal DSM-5 diagnosis but is increasingly recognized by experts. Signs include extreme food restrictions beyond medical needs, rigid rules about what you can eat, hours spent analyzing ingredient lists, anxiety or guilt when breaking your self-imposed rules, and social-life disruption as meals and plans become dominated by food rules. If this sounds familiar, seek help from a dietitian or mental-health professional to regain a balanced approach to food and health.
Some people with eating disorders are using GLP-1 receptor agonists to suppress appetite, prompting alarm from doctors who warn of safety risks and potential to mask underlying conditions; experts call for careful screening and caution around off-label use.
A HuffPost feature highlights that millions in the U.S. will develop an eating disorder at some point in their life, with midlife cases—coined as “menorexia”—often going undiagnosed due to ageist assumptions and a focus on younger sufferers. Experts note midlife disorders share the same diagnostic criteria as younger cases but are triggered by menopause, life transitions, chronic illness, body changes, and pervasive diet culture. The piece underscores the research gap, calls for specialized and virtual treatment options, support networks, and cautions against weight-centric medical messaging that can worsen symptoms.
The Washington Post reports that some people with anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder are using GLP-1 weight-loss medications, prompting alarm from doctors about safety and the need for careful monitoring of vulnerable patients, as anecdotal stories highlight the risk and complexity of treating eating disorders with these drugs.
Demi Moore’s appearances at the Cannes Film Festival sparked concern from fans who felt she looked unusually thin, with some speculating about weight‑loss drugs like Ozempic and recalling her past eating‑disorder battles, while others praised her style and defended her health.
GLP-1 medications, now available as weight‑loss pills, can improve metabolic and cardiovascular health, but their rising visibility risks normalizing the thin ideal and potentially triggering disordered eating; experts emphasize careful screening, multidisciplinary treatment, and that these drugs are not a cure for eating disorders, with long-term effects still largely unknown and resources like NEDA available.
The Looker examines the growing use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic among people who are already underweight or of normal BMI. Experts warn that using GLP-1s outside approved indications can trigger nutritional deficiencies, hormonal disruption, and loss of bone or muscle, and may worsen disordered eating or body-image issues. While celebrities discuss dramatic weight loss, clinicians emphasize these meds are not cosmetic supplements and should be used only under medical supervision. The piece also notes the social and mental-health implications and encourages seeking professional help for disordered eating.
Orthorexia is a subclinical preoccupation with “pure” or perfect eating that can disrupt daily life. Not yet a formal DSM-5 diagnosis, it’s recognized as a disordered eating pattern by health professionals. Four common signs are extreme food restrictions or rigid rules about what you can eat; spending excessive time analyzing ingredient lists or researching nutrition; anxiety or guilt when breaking self-imposed food rules; and social life interference due to food concerns. Social media pressures can fuel this tendency. With support from a dietitian or therapist, you can recover by embracing balanced, sustainable eating rather than perfection; if you’re struggling, contact a professional or call 988 for help.
The piece uses Luke Tyburski’s extreme endurance feats and other stories to show how obsessive training can become an addiction—marked by secrecy, withdrawal, underfueling, and injuries—despite exercise addiction not being formally recognized in DSM-5/ICD-10. It outlines prevalence among regular exercisers, links to eating disorders and cross-addiction, and discusses signs, stigma, and recovery options such as therapy and peer support to help people regain a healthy relationship with movement.
UNC-Chapel Hill students describe an escalating drive to bulk up—rapid weight gain, extreme dieting and supplement use—driven by muscle dysmorphia; experts note men are underdiagnosed and encourage treatment focused on health and performance, with campus groups offering community and education to reduce isolation.
A Lifehacker feature argues that men face eating disorders and body‑image pressures masked as discipline, with muscle dysmorphia and extreme dieting amplified by social media; rising cosmetic treatments and costs deepen inequities, and the piece calls for recognizing men’s struggles and starting honest conversations to prevent dangerous behaviors from hiding in plain sight.