Eating Disorders Archives - Heather Hayes & Associates https://heatherhayes.com/category/eating-disorders/ Interventions & Treatment Consulting Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:46:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://heatherhayes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-HH_logo-32x32.png Eating Disorders Archives - Heather Hayes & Associates https://heatherhayes.com/category/eating-disorders/ 32 32 TikTok Bans #SkinnyTok: A Step Toward Protecting Mental Health or Just a Patch? https://heatherhayes.com/tiktok-bans-skinnytok-a-step-toward-protecting-mental-health-or-just-a-patch/ Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:46:37 +0000 https://heatherhayes.com/?p=7169 In a move lauded by public health experts and mental health advocates alike, TikTok recently banned the hashtag #SkinnyTok, along with related content promoting extreme thinness and disordered eating. While this step reflects growing platform accountability, specialists warn it may not be enough to curb the deeper social and algorithmic drivers of eating disorders among […]

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]]> The Worrying Rise of Diet Drugs https://heatherhayes.com/the-worrying-rise-of-diet-drugs/ Sat, 21 Jun 2025 07:00:16 +0000 https://heatherhayes.com/?p=7012 The contemporary landscape of weight loss solutions is dominated by the emergence of medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, which have gained immense popularity for their purported weight loss benefits. While these medications are making headlines and witnessing widespread prescription, their implications on eating disorders and diet culture warrant critical examination.  Yet, Ozempic has helped many […]

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]]> Exploring the Most Effective Treatments for BDD https://heatherhayes.com/exploringt-the-most-effective-treatments-for-bdd/ Tue, 12 Sep 2023 14:13:32 +0000 https://heatherhayes.com/?p=5888 What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder? Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is an anxiety disorder that is closely linked with body image and self esteem. Previously known as dysmorphophobia, BDD causes an intense preoccupation with perceived aesthetic flaws or physical defects, which are often associated with the face, skin, hair, or weight. Individuals with BDD become intensely […]

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]]> The Dangerous Revival of “Heroin Chic” https://heatherhayes.com/the-dangerous-revival-of-heroin-chic/ Sun, 20 Nov 2022 11:30:00 +0000 https://heatherhayes.com/?p=5308 A tweet by the New York Post declaring that “heroin chic is back” and curvy bodies are out caused a great deal of backlash earlier this month, with body positivity influencers like Jameela Jamil highlighting the dangerous consequences of this 90s and 00s trend. The tweet came amid increasing numbers of very thin models walking […]

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]]> A Family Systems Approach to Eating Disorder Treatment https://heatherhayes.com/family-systems-approach-to-eating-disorders/ Sun, 06 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://heatherhayes.com/?p=5287 Eating disorders can affect the whole family, causing a great deal of stress and pain. Taking a family systems approach to treatment can be empowering for everyone affected. Eating disorders are serious psychiatric illnesses with high morbidity and mortality rates. Early intervention and a supportive, healthy family environment are key to recovery. What is a […]

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]]> Eating Disorders during the Holidays: A Parent’s Guide https://heatherhayes.com/eating-disorders-during-the-holidays/ Sun, 26 Dec 2021 05:40:00 +0000 https://heatherhayes.com/?p=4727 For those struggling with eating disorders, the festive season can be especially challenging because of its emphasis on food. Most people revel in this chance to indulge in delicious seasonal treats, but it can be incredibly difficult for some. Young adults and teenagers can struggle with eating disorders without their parents knowing. However, focusing on […]

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]]> How The Pandemic Is Fueling a Rise in Adolescent Eating Disorders https://heatherhayes.com/how-the-pandemic-is-fueling-a-rise-in-adolescent-eating-disorders/ Sun, 05 Sep 2021 04:05:00 +0000 https://heatherhayes.com/?p=4602 “The pandemic has left many young people isolated, uncertain about the future and less in control.” ~ Emma Thomas, Chief Executive of Young Minds The COVID-19 pandemic has been a perfect storm of combined negative factors for those suffering or recovering from an eating disorder. The number of adolescents admitted to hospitals in America with […]

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]]> What Parents Fear Most https://heatherhayes.com/what-parents-fear-most/ Sat, 03 Apr 2021 15:11:46 +0000 https://heatherhayes.com/male-eating-disorders-copy/ “It’s in adolescence that the onset of substance use disorders occurs for most individuals,” Joel Swendsen, National Center of Scientific Research According to a survey conducted of over 1500 American parents, fear of their children’s substance and alcohol use greatly overshadowed concerns around crime, terrorism, economic collapse, and war.[1] It is common for teenagers to […]

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]]> Male Eating Disorders https://heatherhayes.com/male-eating-disorders/ Sun, 28 Mar 2021 04:01:00 +0000 https://heatherhayes.com/?p=4133 “Because of stigma and stereotypes, males often have a harder time being diagnosed and receiving treatment for an eating disorder,” – Lauren Smolar, director of programs at the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Eating disorders (EDs) are gender-neutral, although they have been routinely stereotyped as a women’s issue. This characterization has created a social stigma […]

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]]> Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Mental Health Care https://heatherhayes.com/racial-disparities-mental-health/ Sun, 28 Feb 2021 10:00:11 +0000 https://heatherhayes.com/?p=4083 “COVID-19 has given the Black community permission to seek therapy as the world tries to process this pandemic. There’s a decrease in the stigma and an increase in Black clients reaching out. We are collectively grieving the loss of our loved ones, our jobs, our way of life, and dealing with feelings of uncertainty and […]

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]]> Eating Disorders in Older Adults https://heatherhayes.com/eating-disorders-in-older-adults/ Sun, 23 Aug 2020 09:23:24 +0000 https://heatherhayes.com/?p=2462 Eating disorders are commonly associated with young adults and teenagers, while little attention is given to eating disorders in older adults. However, eating disorders in older people are more prevalent than one might guess, with a 2012 study reporting that up to 13% of women aged 50 and over have experienced symptoms of eating disorders […]

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]]> Understanding Orthorexia Nervosa https://heatherhayes.com/understanding-orthorexia-nervosa/ Sun, 12 Jul 2020 10:52:27 +0000 https://heatherhayes.com/?p=2424 While a focus on healthy eating is often positive, it can become just as problematic as any other food-related obsessive behavior when taken to an extreme. When a person is obsessively focused on healthy eating, they may have an eating disorder known as Orthorexia Nervosa (ON). What is Orthorexia Nervosa? While other eating disorders, such […]

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