In this powerful episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Wednesdae Reim Ifrach to dismantle the toxic "New Year, New You" narrative and explore the deep intersections between eating disorders, gender identity, and medical trauma. Wednesdae shares their harrowing story of being "prescribed" an eating disorder by a pediatrician at age 10 and how the pursuit of thinness masked a deeper struggle with gender dysphoria. Together, they discuss the current landscape of GLP-1 agonists, the dangers of bariatric surgery, and why healing isn't about fixing yourself—it's about finally being allowed to exist as you are. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone feeling the pressure to shrink themselves to fit into a system that wasn't built for them.

Wednesdae Reim Ifrach (they/them) is an art therapist, counselor, and PhD candidate at Saybrook University whose work centers on gender-affirming care, LGBTQ+ issues, trauma, body image, and eating disorders, as well as a person in eating disorder recovery. They are full-time faculty in the School of Behavioral and Community Health at Moravian University and co-owner of Rainbow Recovery, offering clinical counseling, supervision, and art therapy across Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Wednesdae serves on the GLMA board and with Prism Counseling and Advocacy, advancing inclusive and trauma-informed mental health care. Their creative and scholarly work includes national and international presentations, art featured in the Baltimore Museum of Art, and a forthcoming book Queer Expressions: Expressive Art and Somatic Therapy Practices for Healing Body Trauma (North Atlantic Books, 2026). Their latest research, Inked Identity, explores tattoos as acts of body reclamation and gender affirmation and will appear in The Human Arena.

KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • How medical advice and pediatric interventions can inadvertently trigger lifelong eating disorders.
  • The connection between gender dysphoria and the sensation of being in the "wrong shell."
  • Why the "New Year" diet culture blitz is particularly dangerous for those in recovery.
  • The critical difference between "health" and arbitrary metrics like BMI or weight.
  • How to approach conversations about gender identity with children and loved ones from a place of love.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • The "Prescribed" Eating Disorder: Wednesdae discusses the medical trauma of being put on diets as a child in the 90s, highlighting how healthcare providers often prioritize thinness over actual well-being, leading to decades of disordered eating.
  • Gender Dysphoria vs. Body Dysmorphia: The conversation explores the nuance of feeling unsafe in one's body not just because of weight, but because of gender presentation, and how weight loss is often used as a tool to try and "fix" that internal misalignment.
  • The GLP-1 Reality Check: Dr. Cristina and Wednesdae provide a critical look at the current wave of weight-loss injections, discussing the rebound weight gain, the potential for organ damage, and the psychological impact of using medication to suppress natural bodily functions.
  • Arbitrary Health Metrics: A critique of terms like "overweight" (Over what weight?) and "pre-diabetes," and how these labels are often used to sell supplements and fear rather than promote genuine longevity.

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction and Client Anecdote
  • 00:19 Welcome to Behind the Bite
  • 01:17 New Year Challenges and Support
  • 02:24 Introducing Today's Guest: Wednesday Ray Franc
  • 04:59 Wednesday's Journey with Eating Disorders
  • 09:01 Navigating Middle School and Identity
  • 13:05 Parental Support and Understanding
  • 15:23 Challenges in Therapy and Society
  • 19:00 Current Trends and Relapses
  • 23:36 The Bigger Problem: It's Not Just You
  • 23:45 The Allure of Quick Fixes
  • 24:40 Adderall and Misdiagnosed Eating Disorders
  • 25:20 Bariatric Surgery and Eating Disorders
  • 25:40 The Five-Minute Decision: A Personal Story
  • 28:22 The Misleading Promises of GLP-1 Medications
  • 31:28 The Underlying Issues of Eating Disorders
  • 32:51 The Toxic Culture of Never Being Enough
  • 37:37 The Long-Term Health Risks of Weight Loss Medications
  • 42:26 Final Thoughts and Resources

CONNECT WITH WEDNESDAE REIM IFRACH:

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

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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:**

The content of this podcast episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or affiliated organizations. If you have any medical or mental health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Listener discretion is advised, especially for those sensitive to topics related to body image, weight stigma, and eating disorders.