In this podcast episode I speak with Lynn McGovern on the topic of understanding orthorexia. This is a type of eating disorder, is without an official diagnosis, but cause a lot of distress and suffering to the person experiencing it.
Orthorexia is an obsession with healthy eating.
Lynn is a newly graduated psychotherapist with an MSc in Applied Psychology and much experience working with eating disorders. She has previously published research on orthorexia and has just conducting another study on the topic. Lynn has previously volunteered with Bodywhys and has also worked in the areas of youth mental health, domestic violence, and disability. You can connect with Lynn on Instagram @lighthousetherapy_Ireland.
What we cover:
– We explore Orthorexia, and that it is not the same as ‘Healthy Eating’, and how you can know the difference.
– We talk about another type of eating disorder called Atypical Anorexia, which is more common than you might think. It is important to remember that eating disorders don’t have a look. People of all ages, genders, body size and ethnicities can experience and live with eating disorders.
Other topics we discuss is;
– The difficulty in accessing a diagnosis (if this is something you want, or if this can help access care).
– How eating disorder care is underfunded, under diagnosed and how many healthcare practitioners lack education on this topic. Which further exacerbate the situation.
I have linked to the research studies Lynn mentions below.
One thing that I want to mention is that whether someone has a diagnosis or not, if you are struggling with your relationship with food you deserve support so things can get better. Because it can get better.
*CW some mentions of stigmatising language in the episode*
You can connect with Lynn further on Instagram: @lighthousetherapy_ireland
Links to research on Orthorexia and Atypical Anorexia mentioned in this episode:
Lynn’s previous research on Orthorexia
Looking at the intersection of Ob*sity and Eating Disorders (CW – Use of stigmatising language)
Other Podcast Episodes that also speak on Eating Disorders:
The Importance of Family Support in Eating Disorder Recovery
From Head to the Body to the Heart, as a Healing Practice
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