A Conversation on ED Myths

In this weeks episode, Han is joined by Dr Emily Setting. Emily was diagnosed with atypical anorexia in 2019, and is very passionate about debunking the stigmas associated with eating disorders.

We start by talking about Emily's experience, and how she developed an eating disorder in her adult years and how this came about for her. We spoke about her experience of gaining support from the GP, how her BMI didn't mean the criteria for anorexia nervosa, and the impact the comments the GP made on her eating disorder.

Throughout our conversation we come back to stigmas that our community felt need to be demystified in eating disorders, these include:

  • EDs only occur in teenage women.

  • Everyone with an ED is underweight.

  • People with EDs don’t like food.

  • People with EDs are attention seeking and selfish.

  • Anorexia is the only ED.

  • Recovery from an ED doesn’t take a very long time.

  • EDs are shameful.

We speak about the role of an eating disorder and what it provides, how this makes recovery so hard, and the grieving process that comes with this. We speak about the addictive nature of eating disorders, and the normalisation of some disordered behaviours.

We speak about diet culture, and how a number of aspects of this have been incorporated into society and the impact of the dieting industry on our insecurities.

We speak about how for those who haven't engaged in eating disorder recovery navigating diet culture can be difficult as a result of a lack of awareness and understanding, and how in recovery you have to fit against all of this. We also speak about how our eating disorders have provided us with the knowledge that diet culture is not conducive or helpful, and how we are able to step away from this throughout recovery.

Please note that this episode discusses a number of eating disorder behaviours that may be triggering for some individuals. Please tread lightly and check in with yourself along the way.

Recent Posts

Exploring Addiction & Eating Disorder Stigma & Support
By Hannah Hickinbotham June 9, 2025
In this blog post, we explore addiction and eating disorder stigma and why this support matters beyond Men’s Mental Health Week.
Using Family-Based Therapy to Support Eating Disorder Recovery
By Hannah Hickinbotham May 26, 2025
Family-based therapy empowers families to support children and teens in eating disorder recovery. Learn how it works and why it’s effective.
Treatment Resistant or Systemic Failure? Reframing “Untreatable” Eating Disorders
By Hannah Hickinbotham May 19, 2025
In this blog, we explore whether eating disorders are truly untreatable or if treatment models need to evolve. Featuring insights from Dr. Anita Federici and recent research on "terminal anorexia."
The Power of Community in Eating Disorder Recovery for Midlife Women
By Hannah Hickinbotham May 12, 2025
Discover how community can transform eating disorder recovery for midlife women. Learn why connection, support, and shared experiences make healing possible.
Navigating Menopause and Cultivating Positive Body Image
By Hannah Hickinbotham May 5, 2025
Researcher Sophie shares how body appreciation can support mental health and quality of life during menopause. Learn about the science and practical takeaways.
Supporting Disordered Eating & RED-S in Athletes
By Hannah Hickinbotham April 21, 2025
Understanding disordered eating in athletes, RED-S, and how sports culture normalises under-fuelling with an eating disorder dietitian.
Show More