https://www.eatingdisorderscollaborative.org/post/cedo-s-response-to-the-oprah-special-shame-blame-and-the-weight-loss-revolution

As a member of the Collaborative of Eating Disorders Organizations (CEDO), we at COPE are extremely concerned about the lack of consideration for eating disorders in

Oprah’s Special: Shame, Blame and the
Weight Loss Revolution that aired on March 18, 2024. While Oprah’s personal journey
and body autonomy is very important, the Special unfortunately perpetuates diet culture
and anti-fat bias, which can often fuel the development of disordered eating and eating
disorders.
We are disappointed that information regarding the use of GLP-1s and eating disorders
were not present in the Special. The use of GLP-1s in pursuit of weight loss can
increase the risk for developing an eating disorder, contribute to relapse for those who
have previously struggled, and exacerbate the symptomatology in individuals who are
currently struggling. Eating disorders affect more than 29 million Americans and cost
our country more than $400B/year in combined financial costs and loss of well-being
(Harvard STRIPED, Academy for Eating Disorders, Deloitte Access Economics, 2020).
Furthermore, eating disorders are the second deadliest mental illness after opioid
abuse. With that, we strongly recommend every person considered for a GLP-1
prescription is screened for disordered eating and eating disorders.
Less than 15% of medical students receive any education on eating disorders in their
doctoral training. It is imperative that healthcare providers learn about, and screen for,
disordered eating and eating disorders, which could be a contraindication for the use of
these drugs.
Individuals, and guardians of children and teens, should be aware of the risks when
taking these drugs for weight loss. If we operate under the assumption that weight loss
leads to improved health outcomes, we must also note that studies assessing the
efficacy of diets do not show evidence of health improvements and are ineffective at
“obesity” prevention (Mann et al., 2007; Fildes et al., 2015). Furthermore, weight-based
approaches to health exacerbate weight stigma, a correlate of adverse health and
well-being (Tylka et al., 2014). As such, there are considerable ethical considerations of
promoting treatment that may be damaging. It’s important to recognize the probability of
weight cycling and the evidence of long-term harm from weight-loss interventions,
especially for those with a history of, or predisposition for, an eating disorder.
The long-term impact of GLP-1s on individuals who are taking it for off-label weight-loss
have yet to be seen. However, recent research has shown that individuals without
diabetes who take GLP-1s for weight loss have an increased risk of developing serious
medical complications, including pancreatitis, gastroparesis, bowel obstructions, and
gallbladder disease (Sodhi, et al., 2023; He, et al., 2022). Over time, many will not eat
enough to fuel their body properly because of their desire to lose weight. Extreme

restrictive eating can lead to serious complications including, but not limited to: bone
loss, low heart rate, organ damage, hormone disruption, and neurological issues.
As the popularity of GLP-1s soars, the lack of consideration for the negative impact on
disordered eating, and contribution to medical weight stigma and fatphobia will put lives
in danger. We strongly urge healthcare providers and the community at-large to include
eating disorders in this crucial conversation. We invite you to engage with CEDO
members for support and to help reduce the potential for harm. For more information,
including signs and symptoms of eating disorders, please contact one of the non-profit
organizations listed below. https://www.eatingdisorderscollaborative.org/

With regards,
Collaborative of Eating Disorders Organizations
Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance: AKEDA
Amy’s Gift
Be Real USA
Beyond Rules Recovery
Body Equity Alliance
Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders
COPE: Community Outreach to Prevent Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders Coalition of Iowa
Eating Disorder Foundation
Education and Insight on Eating Disorders: EDIN
F.E.A.S.T.
International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians: IFEDD
Manna Fund
Michigan Eating Disorders Alliance
Missouri Eating Disorders Association: MiEDA
Multi Service Eating Disorders Association: MEDA
National Alliance for Eating Disorders: The Alliance
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders: ANAD
One Hope Project
Project HEAL
Realize Your Beauty
Renewed
Rock Recovery
Stay Strong Virginia

About CEDO
The Collaborative of Eating Disorders Organizations (CEDO) is a partnership of
mission-aligned non-profit organizations and allies dedicated to increasing awareness
and resources at the global, national, regional and local level for people affected by
eating disorders and disordered eating. For more information, please visit
www.eatingdisorderscollaborative.org

References
● Harvard STRIPED, Academy for Eating Disorders, Deloitte Access Economics
(2020). Economic Costs of Eating Disorders. Available at:
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/striped/report-economic-costs-of-eating-disorders/
● He, Wang, Ping, et al. (2022). Association of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor
Agonist Use With Risk of Gallbladder and Biliary Diseases: A Systematic Review
and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. JAMA Intern Med, 182(5),
513-519.
● Mann, T., et al. (2007). Medicare’s search for effective obesity treatments: Diets
are not the answer. American Psychologist, 62(3), 220–233.
● Sodhi, Rezaeianzadeh, Kezouh, et al. (2023). Risk of Gastrointestinal Adverse
Events Associated With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight
Loss. JAMA, 330(18), 1795-1797.
● Tylka et al. (2014). The Weight-Inclusive versus Weight-Normative Approach to
Health: Evaluating the Evidence for Prioritizing Well-Being over Weight Loss.
Journal of Obesity.

https://iaedp.confex.com/iaedp/2024/meetingapp.cgi/Session/5938

COPE Co-Founders: Karen Samuels, Ph.D., CEDS & Kathryn Fraser, Ph.D. joined by Margo Maine, Ph.D., CEDS, FAED, will lead this opening KEYNOTE/PLENARY Session at the IAEDP Symposium 2024, March 22, 2024. https://iaedp.site-ym.com/events/register.aspx?id=1761349&itemid=77f7b750-03dc-45ff-8b01-39ef6295772c
Isabel Wilkerson reminds us:  “We are warehousing the Crown Jewels of our society.  The fear of aging is the fear of how society treats aging.”  This panel explores the marginalization and invisibilization of Eating Disorders at midlife and beyond, across gender, race, and bodies unseen and untreated.   Health disparities in BIPOC and aging populations are linked to underrepresentation of minorities in health care.  Reviewing the Nine Truths of Eating Disorders at Midlife and Beyond (Margo Maine, 2018) illuminates pathways of healing in cultural relational context. We present systemic solutions to improve and increase treatment, including effective mentorship for BIPOC providers.

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#inbox/FMfcgzGxRnkRcvfJFshBCkjjbgmsvVrQ

Ask the Experts: Getting Eating Disorder Care as a BIPOC Individual

Join Equip Health and Rock Recovery for an enlightening virtual event featuring a panel of Eating Disorder clinicians and caregivers. They will share their expertise, and engage in a meaningful discussion on accessing eating disorder care as a BIPOC individual. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from experts who understand the unique challenges faced by BIPOC individuals seeking eating disorder treatment. Come to learn, connect, and support one other as we seek to build a world where everyone has access to the mental health treatment they need and deserve.

Our panel will explore both successful and challenging aspects of the field, as well as address the specific experiences and hurdles encountered by BIPOC individuals seeking eating disorder treatment. We will also envision ways to enhance access to quality, effective care for BIPOC individuals, and provide ample opportunities for audience questions.

We want to thank our panelists for their willingness to participate and share insights on this important topic. As you consider your questions, we kindly ask for respect towards others’ individual experiences and viewpoints. We can’t wait for you to join us!

The panel will be moderated by Rock Recovery board member Nooshin Kiankhooy, and our panelists include Natasia James, Zeina Wu, Grace Kim, and Makailah Dowell.

Natasia “Tasi” James is a Resident in Counseling in the state of Virginia. She received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021 at the University of Kentucky.

She has a wide breadth of experience in the mental health field, including experience with both adolescents and adults with eating disorders in the Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient levels of care. Expect Tasi’s energy to be upbeat, warm, compassionate, and humorous. Her approach is to create a space for clients to feel comfortable and safe, encourage self-exploration to resolve core issues regarding their disordered eating/negative body image, and help clients to evolve in their authenticity. She is passionate about creating inclusive spaces, and access to high quality of care for underserved communities.

Zeina Wu is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Eating Disorder Dietitian. She graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Biological Sciences. Prior to joining Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight, she worked in a variety of settings including: community healthcare, hospitals, and private practice. She enjoys working with individuals from all backgrounds and age groups. She has over a decade of experience in the eating disorder field. She has a deep understanding of the complexities that come with mental health disorders and is here to provide support.

She truly believes in empowering individuals through education. She is passionate about dispelling myths and misconceptions about the human body and nutrition. In her spare time she enjoys cooking and baking, enjoying the outdoors, and reading books.

With lived experience in bulimia nervosa and BED (binge eating disorder), Makailah Dowell recovered while facing many treatment accessibility barriers and, through that journey, discovered a passion for pursuing healthcare equity. She graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with an emphasis on microbiology research and continues her work with Equip as a Lead Peer Mentor. She is dedicated to highlighting the BIPOC experience in the healthcare community, disability advocacy, and providing affordable & accessible care for all.”

Grace Kim is a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner bringing compassionate, culturally responsive care to patients across the lifespan. An alumna of Yale School of Nursing, Grace’s journey is enriched by her dual roles as a former peer mentor and current psychiatric provider at Equip Health, drawing from lived experiences to enhance her understanding. Her passion lies in delivering specialized eating disorder care, with a focus on serving the AAPI and LGBTQIA communities. Informed by her background as a second generation Korean-American, Grace approaches her work with a commitment to transcultural care and addressing intergenerational trauma.

Nooshin Kiankhooy joined the Rock Recovery board in December of 2023 and has been a clinician in the field of eating disorders since 2010. Nooshin founded Empowering You in 2012, a therapy practice in Olney, MD which specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and trauma. In addition to being a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Supervisor, she also completed basic EMDR training and is hoping to be certified by the end of 2025. She takes passion in guiding new clinicians in the field of eating disorders and mentoring others. As a member of the board, Nooshin is excited to help support Rock Recovery in expanding their clinical programs and outreach to other areas in the DMV. Nooshin lives in Olney, MD with her husband and two daughters. In her free time she loves reading, exploring new restaurants and recording episodes for the podcast she shares with one of her associates, Real Talk Therapy.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ask-the-experts-getting-eating-disorder-care-as-a-bipoc-individual-tickets-801681329437?aff=oddtdtcreator

Body image concerns can originate in unresolved issues—either from the past or from current life stressors. In the current iteration of our society, people living in larger bodies are stigmatized, ridiculed, and bullied. They are made to feel like they don’t belong. Add to this the perpetuation of the “big lie” that if you are thin, you will fit in, be happy, and be healthy.

In this webinar, we discuss the journey to healing from trauma and childhood adversity. This journey is not something that can be prescribed by anyone, as each individual’s path is different. Learn about guides to help an individual reintegrate the parts of themselves they have shunned, the image of their body that has been perverted by society, and the dreams and desires that may have been thrown to the wayside.

In this webinar you will learn to:

• Identify childhood adversity and other underlying causes contributing to body image issues.
• Discuss how the “big lie” has impacted the development of eating disorders.
• Identify and discuss how acceptance and belonging can impact recovery and specifically body image issues.
• Presenter:
• Carolyn Coker Ross, MD, MPH, CEDS-S
• African American author, speaker, and expert in using Integrative Medicine for the treatment of food and body image issues and addictions. CEO of The Anchor Program.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo2ZQxv_9_o

Karen Samuels, Ph.D., licensed psychologist in NE Florida, has practiced for over 35 years. Her career has been dedicated to empowering midlife and aging women and other forgotten populations through her community involvement, psychotherapy practice, publications, presentations and consultation. She founded COPE: Community Outreach to Prevent Eating Disorders, (501(c)(3) in 2001. Dr. Samuels received the 2014 National Eating Disorders Association Westin Family Award for Activism and Advocacy in recognition of her community and social justice work. In this video, Karen Samuels, PhD, CEDS discusses what eating disorders look like for individuals in midlife and beyond, and the prevalence of eating disorders in this period of life.

National Eating Disorders Association

National Eating Disorders Association

@NEDAonline3.56K subscribers216 videosNEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care.

Training for Healthcare Providers
SBIRT-ED Screener Tool

NCEED is the nation’s first center of excellence dedicated to eating disorders. Founded in 2018 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, our mission is to advance education and training of healthcare providers and to promote public awareness of eating disorders and eating disorder treatment.

Based at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NCEED includes clinicians, researchers, and advocates who specialize in eating disorder care. We are committed to providing up-to-date, reliable, and evidence-based information.

In honor of #eatingdisorderawarenessweek , the Collaborative of Eating Disorders Organizations (CEDO) wanted to share information about our free and accessible services that we provide throughout the U.S.

Make sure to check out all the programming that our organizations offer.

This #EatingDisordersAwarenessWeek , with the theme IT’S TIME for CHANGE, it is imperative that we come together and unite with the common goal to provide more for the community.. More equity, access, Outreach, early-intervention, education, advocacy, and awareness. We are so much stronger together! #EDAW#ItsTimeForAChange

#CEDO

Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2023: Embodied Empowerment Movement Groups

Free | On-Demand Events

https://renfrewcenter.com/events/eating-disorders-awareness-week-2023-powering-up-together/

Two Options Available: Standing/Active Group & Seated/Low-Impact Group

FEBRUARY 24, 2023

– FEBRUARY 26, 2023

NOT ONE MORE Weekend

We are thrilled to announce NOT ONE MORE Weekend, Friday, February 24 to Sunday, February 26, 2023, a weekend built on the pillars of what The Alliance does: Help. Support. Recovery. Join this national movement, as we ensure that NOT ONE MORE life is lost, NOT ONE MORE child is taken, and NOT ONE MORE precious moment is destroyed by this insidious disease. Over this three-day weekend, help us continue to raise awareness and offer direct support to individuals and families across the country. Proceeds from the NOT ONE MORE Weekend will directly fund our free, weekly, virtual eating disorders support groups!

MORE INFORMATION

The Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI) is the largest-ever genome-wide association study for eating disorders. EDGI will create the blueprint to identify the causes of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. The Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI) is an international research study designed to understand how your genes can influence your risk for developing an eating disorder.

You can help by introducing the study to your patients. The goal is 6000 participants. See the 5 simple steps (below) for participation. There is also a link below to download a flyer for your waiting room, post on your website or blog, or send to clients electronically,

We know that one treatment doesn’t fit all eating disorders. EDGI will guide us toward a personalized medicine approach including tailored treatment and recovery plans. EDGI will allow us to understand how both genes and environment influence risk for these disorders. The purpose of EDGI is to learn more about how genes influence risk for bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and anorexia nervosa. By introducing this important study to your patients, you can help advance understanding of the genetics of eating disorders and contribute to a future with better treatments!

You can download the flyer (above) to share here.