In this episode of Behind the Bite, Dr. Cristina Castagnini interviews Oona Hanson, a parent educator and eating disorder advocate. Oona shares her journey from being an educator to focusing specifically on eating disorders and diet culture after her own child developed an eating disorder. The conversation covers crucial information for parents about recognizing warning signs, navigating treatment challenges, and creating a supportive environment for recovery. Oona Hanson is an educator and parent coach who supports families navigating diet culture and eating disorders. A regular contributor to CNN, she has been featured widely, including on Good Morning America and in USA Today, People, and Parents. She writes the Parenting Without Diet Culture newsletter and will publish her first book in 2026. She is the mother of two and lives in Los Angeles.    

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Recognizing Warning Signs

  • Disordered eating is often normalized and promoted as "healthy" in our culture
  • Changes in eating habits, exercise routines, or interactions with clothing/mirrors
  • Defensiveness when approached about behavioral changes
  • Eating disorders don't have "one look" - they affect people of all genders, ages, and body sizes
  • Parents should trust their gut instincts if something seems off

Parent-Child Communication

  • Approach conversations with curiosity and compassion
  • Ask open-ended questions: "I've noticed some changes. Could you tell me more about that?"
  • Avoid accusatory language or bringing too much worry to the table
  • Externalize the eating disorder - view it as separate from your child
  • Educational conversations about how diet trends cycle through generations

Diet Culture and Social Media

  • Parents are "influencers" too - home environment matters as much as social media
  • Engage teens in critical thinking about trends and marketing
  • Discuss how diet culture constantly recycles old ideas with new packaging
  • Talk about who benefits financially when people feel bad about their bodies

Supporting Recovery

  • Getting parents on the same page is crucial, especially in co-parenting situations
  • Early stages of eating disorder treatment can feel more painful than the disorder itself
  • Recovery can ultimately bring families closer together
  • Treatment success often requires consistent approaches across households

What Not to Say

  • "Don't worry, you're not going to get fat" (reinforces the eating disorder's fears)
  • Categorizing foods as "healthy/unhealthy" or "good/bad"
  • Alternative categorizations (like "sometimes food" vs "anytime food") are still problematic
  • Call foods by their names: pizza is pizza, broccoli is broccoli

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THE EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Behind the Bite
  • 00:55 Challenges of Parenting in Today's World
  • 01:27 Introducing Oona Hanson
  • 01:59 Oona's Personal Journey and Professional Insights
  • 02:27 Understanding Eating Disorders in Children
  • 07:54 Navigating Social Media and Diet Culture
  • 24:32 Supporting Your Child Through Recovery
  • 28:41 Family Dynamics and Co-Parenting Challenges
  • 36:13 Practical Tips for Parents
  • 39:26 Conclusion and Resources

HOW TO CONNECT WITH OONA TO LEARN MORE:

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Until next time, remember, we're here to break down barriers, challenge stigma, and support each other on the path to a better life.

Part of the Los Angeles Tribune Podcast Network, produced by the Tweaky Tales.

**Disclaimer:**

This podcast is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. It is given with the understanding that neither the host, the publisher, nor the guests are rendering legal, clinical, or other professional information. If you want or need a professional, you should find one to work with who can address your individual needs and situation.