Navigating healthy and unhealthy food choices while learning to restore a positive relationship with food. Q1. What is an eating disorder? An eating disorder is a serious mental health condition that affects how a person eats, thinks about food, and perceives their body. It can cause severe emotional distress and physical health problems. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
Highly processed foods activate the brain’s reward system, making cravings stronger and harder to manage. Q1. What is food addiction? Some people eat certain foods especially highly processed, high-calorie foods in a way that looks similar to addiction. Research shows cravings, loss of control, and continuing to eat despite harm match criteria used in the DSM-5 for substance use disorders (1). Without recognising these signs, people may continue overeating and develop long-te
Internalised weight stigma not body size is a powerful, often invisible force harming mental and physical health across all body types In today’s society, the pressure to achieve the “perfect” body is everywhere from social media feeds to advertising to healthcare messages. But what if the real threat to your health isn’t your weight at all? Increasing evidence shows that internalised weight stigma the shame and self-criticism we adopt from society can quietly erode both ment
Understanding Dopamine: How it Connects Fear, Anxiety, and Disordered Eating. Q1. What does dopamine do in the brain? Dopamine is best known for making us feel pleasure and motivation, but it also plays a big role in how we respond to fear and anxiety (1). It helps the brain learn what’s safe and what’s dangerous, shaping how we react to threats. This means dopamine isn’t just about feeling good it helps regulate emotions, fear responses, and decision-making. Problems with do
Understanding the Trauma and Eating Disorders Connection: Treatment, Recovery, Support, Therapy and Insight. Understanding the trauma and eating disorders connection is essential for effective treatment, recovery, support, therapy and insight, as these conditions frequently overlap and influence one another in powerful ways. Trauma, whether caused by early adverse experiences, acute events or chronic stress, can profoundly shape how individuals regulate emotions, cope with di
How to Strengthen Your Immune System Naturally: Nutrition and Lifestyle Guide Staying healthy today is more than avoiding germs it’s about arming your body with the right nutrients, foods, and lifestyle habits to fight infections. Many people feel overwhelmed by online advice about “immune-boosting” foods or supplements, often leading to confusion or ineffective practices. Ignoring proper nutrition, sleep, and stress management can leave your immune system vulnerable, increas
