GLP-1s, Eating Disorders, and Body Image with Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani
Back from the Abyss: Psychiatry in Stories | Psychotherapy, Trauma, and PsychedelicsSummary
The conversation centers on the use of GLP-1 medications in psychiatric practice, particularly concerning their potential benefits and risks for patients with eating disorders. Dr. Craig Heacock and Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani explore the complexities of prescribing these medications, noting that while they can aid in weight loss and improve certain health conditions, they also pose significant risks, particularly for individuals with a history of eating disorders. Dr. Gaudiani emphasizes the importance of careful monitoring and counseling for patients on GLP-1s, warning against the dangers of undernutrition and the potential for relapse into disordered eating behaviors.
The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of treatment for eating disorders, with Dr. Gaudiani advocating for a nuanced approach that considers both the benefits and the possible adverse effects of GLP-1s. She reflects on her clinic's commitment to a weight-inclusive, fat-positive philosophy while acknowledging the challenges posed by the availability of these medications. The conversation also touches on the broader societal implications of weight loss medications and the need for informed consent, particularly for vulnerable populations. Ultimately, both doctors express a desire to balance the potential benefits of GLP-1s with the ethical responsibility to protect patients from harm.
Show Notes
Are GLP-1s the best thing to come along in psychiatry in years…. or are they going to turn out to have a dark side, by triggering eating disorders, causing undernutrition, and narrowing what’s an acceptable body type? Dr. H sits down with nationally known eating disorder specialist and the author of Sick Enough, Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani, to explore both the hopeful upside of these meds as well as their hidden risks. Support the show Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani https://www.gaudianiclinic.com/#wel...
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