You Don’t Look Anorexic

Erin Nicole Harrop, LICSW, PhD

What is it like to compare treatment received for anorexia nervosa when you're at the low end of the weight spectrum (“typical”) and then not at the lower end (“atypical”).

Dr Erin Harrop describes this experience, how they were treated and what it felt like. And then gives us professionals tips to do better.

1. Believe your patient
2. If you’re going to disbelieve, bring the same curiosity you would for low weight AN. Get specific, ask questions (pringles example)
3. Acknowledge thin privilege and the social power differential.

It’s not just weight stigma that influences how we feel about our bodies, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia.

Explain “While I try, however imperfectly, to address the effects of weight stigma, nutrition work is never neutral – always taking a side on weight and wellness.

"Cheeseburger challenge" – may feel like a dare from my dietitian

Abbi asks an important question – “How do I do this weight inclusive work and honoring my thin privilege when it feels uncomfortable?”

Ignoring discrimination is a privilege of people with privilege

Ethical care acknowledges weight stigma.

Here's a way to tee-up a weight inclusive approach...

As a nutrition provider I don't focus on weight. “I’m going to make mistakes, I’m deeply committed to giving you the BEST, most ethical, MOST proficient care that I can, and I’m gonna keep showing up and IF something happens as we’re working together that makes you feel uncomfortable, please let me know because I’m learning too. I want to do the best I can to not cause further harm.”

What NOT to say, “I’m not going to let you get fat”

AND if we make mistakes we can (and should) repair.

Part of the healing is actually treating higher weight patients like eating disorder patients.

Article discussed today:

• You Don't Look Anorexic New York Times

Erin’s Seasonings:

• Believe your client
• Come with the same curiosity about food intake and activity regardless of weight

Bio:

Dr. Erin Harrop is an Assistant Professor at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. Their research, teaching, and clinical work focuses on eating disorders, weight stigma, and promoting inclusive health/mental health care for people with marginalized identities.

https://socialwork.du.edu/about/gssw-directory/erin-nicole-harrop

With your host Beth Harrell

IG  @beth.harrell.cedss 

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