In this radically honest conversation Natalie sits down with clinical psychologist and leading researcher Dr. Pamela Keel to unpack the science, psychology, and misconceptions behind eating disorders.
From her own experience living with Type-1 diabetes to decades of groundbreaking research, Dr. Keel brings both personal insight and clinical expertise to a conversation that challenges everything we think we know about these conditions.
Together, they explore why eating disorders aren’t caused by just one thing, the role of genetics and environment, how social media and modern wellness trends are shaping behaviors, and why telling someone to “just eat” misses the mark entirely.
They also dive into prevention, early warning signs, the rise of GLP-1 medications, and how to actually seek help in a system that often feels inaccessible.
This is an open conversation about what it really takes to support healing in a world full of social media misinformation.
This episode is for anyone who:
- Has struggled with disordered eating or body image
- Wants to better understand the science behind eating disorders
- Is navigating recovery or supporting someone who is
- Feels overwhelmed by conflicting health advice online
Resources:
Dr. Pamela Keel's Books - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Pamela+Keele
Social Media and Mental Health Resources - https://www.mentalhealth.gov
PubMed - Medical Research Database - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
American Psychiatric Association - DSM-5 - https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
National Eating Disorders Association - https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
Learn more about Dr. Pamela Keel:
X @drpamelkeel https://x.com/DrPamKeel
Eating Behaviors Research: https://eatingbehaviorskee.wixsite.com/mysite
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the severity of eating disorders
01:24 Dr. Pamela Keel's background and contributions
03:16 Personal story of a hard reset and its impact
09:36 Connection between diabetes and eating disorders
17:37 Common misconceptions about causes of eating disorders
20:00 Why control is a misconception in eating disorders
21:46 Genetic and biological factors in development
30:30 Timing of onset and puberty influences
33:25 Advances in prevention and expanding awareness
36:45 Proactive measures and early detection
39:50 Diagnostic criteria and new classifications
42:55 Impact of social media and unregulated treatments
49:55 GLP-1s and their influence on eating behaviors
55:36 Importance of informed medical decisions
01:00:28 Eating disorders as mental health conditions
01:03:12 Biological impact of malnutrition
01:04:35 Eating disorders as deadly mental health conditions
01:11:23 Dr. Keel's self-care and current well-being
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