ERC & Pathlight In the News

Meredith Nisbet was a featured guest on USA Today's The Excerpt to discuss body positivity and image, and navigating healthy ways we view ourselves in an age of Ozempic. In the interview, Nisbet discusses the complexities around GLP-1 agonist medications and the impact on those in the body positivity movement and those with eating disorders or disordered eating. "When we know that these medications mimic some of the symptoms of some eating disorders, it can be really concerning for folks who are in a body positive community who are trying to learn to accept themselves in their current body, who are maybe on an anti-diet journey and are pursuing values aligned with that. It can be really difficult to swallow that someone is taking a medication that mimics something that they've struggled with and maybe they're in recovery from, and that they may know the risks of the medication that we don't really know how it could affect someone who is in recovery from an eating disorder or who has an active eating disorder, or even just someone who is at risk genetically or environmentally from an eating disorder."

Dr. Ellen Astrachan-Fletcher was a featured guest on WGN9's Daytime Chicago to discuss how students--and their caregivers--can manage stress and anxiety during the college decision season. In this segment, Dr. Astrachan-Fletcher shares signs your child is struggling with stress; tips for helping them manage; and how to support your child and get help.

HealthCentral recently featured Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar in this piece that examines the use of GLP-1 agonists as weight loss medications. In the article, Dr. Wassenaar notes, "The impact of drugs like semaglutide on mental health is not yet well understood. . . .What we are seeing is that for some patients who have a history of an eating disorder, using GLP-1 agonists seems to be associated with relapses of their eating disorder."

A nice nod to our Mental Note podcast in this Salon article which discusses weight stigma. In the article, the writer refers to the 2021 episode with actress Jen Ponton and the discussion around Fatphobia, activism, Hollywood, and practical ways to push back against the marginalization of fat people.

Dr. Kim Anderson is featured in this Parents piece about ARFID--helping to break down what it is; how to recognize ARFID vs. "picky eating;" and when/how to access help. "It's not uncommon to confuse picky eating and ARFID; but the two are not the same thing. Though the lines can be blurred, there are ways to differentiate between the two, Anderson says. 'Unlike picky eating, ARFID is not a stage or a normal part of development. It’s not even 'extreme picky eating.' It’s a diagnosable and treatable eating disorder.'"

Meredith Nisbet is featured in this Shape Magazine article which puts a spotlight on the body neutrality movement--defining what it is; why it matters; and how to put it into practice. In the piece, Nisbet offers, "Practicing kindness to oneself while diverting from harmful thought patters is helpful."

Leslee Marcom is quoted in this informative Healthline feature article, "Everything You Need to Know About Anorexia Nervosa Restricting Type," and shares the signs a loved one may be experiencing AN-R and their risk factors. The article also discusses the subtypes and symptoms; diagnostic requirements; and treatment.

ERC Clinical Director Rachel Engelhart was a featured guest on Fox 5 DC during Eating Disorder Awareness Week to discuss eating disorder stereotypes. In this segment, Rachel provides helpful information about how to recognize if your child may be struggling with an eating disorder and how to access help.

Dr. Allison Chase was a featured guest on KVUE for Eating Disorder Awareness Month to discuss the types of eating disorders; signs of when behaviors become dangerous; how to talk to a friend or loved one about your concerns; and how to seek help.