EDeology: The People Behind Today's Eating Disorder Treatment Landscape5 Jun 2025

Can Intentional Weight Loss Be Body Positive?

Perhaps the single most charged issue in eating disorder recovery is intentional weight loss. In the general population, we know based on research that the long-term success rates of intentional weight loss diets are abysmally low. In the world of eating disorder recovery, not only are the success rates low, but so many people have been deeply harmed by diet culture.

For so many in this field, the very idea of intentional weight loss brings up all of the fatphobic and destructive messages they've received throughout a lifetime and a history of feeling at odds with and abusing their own bodies.

Because of this, the idea that somebody can pursue intentional weight loss after recovering from an eating disorder in a way that is safe, kind to their bodies, and aligned with their best interests, feels almost untouchable.

In this episode, Cheryl Burton Murphy who is a body-positive yoga instructor, has recovered from an eating disorder, and is now pursuing intentional weight loss, shares her story. She talks about her health and weight related goals, experience with GLP-1s, how this is all different from her disordered eating history, and how she’ll respond if weight loss attempts don't have the desired outcomes.

I mention this in the intro to every episode, but because this is such a charged topic, I want to reiterate that this is not professional advice or advocacy for a particular position. We’re not asking that eating disorder professionals start promoting intentional weight loss. This is one person’s story. And if it’s one person’s story, it’s probably other people’s stories too.

If you find it activating your own food and body insecurities, please take care of yourself. You don’t have to listen to this episode.

I also want to acknowledge that Cheryl is taking a very vulnerable position by sharing something of herself here. Please be respectful.

My goal is to create a safe space where nothing is untouchable and we can hold space for the massive diversity of the human experience. If you have an alternative perspective, as I’m sure many people do, feel free to reach out and share your story.

Cheryl Burton Murphy is a certified Curvy Yoga instructor and body-inclusive wellness advocate with over 25 years of yoga practice. She specializes in making yoga accessible for plus-size individuals through the use of props, variations, and a supportive, judgment-free approach. Cheryl brings warmth, humor, and deep compassion to her teaching, creating spaces where every body feels welcome and empowered

Connect with Cheryl:

https://curvybodyinmotion.com/

Instagram: @Curvybodyinmotion

Binge eating recovery with Elka https://elkacubacub.com/

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