In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Zoe Harwood to dismantle the dangerous myths surrounding the BMI and the concept of "clean eating." Zoe shares her personal journey from a professional dancer praised for her "discipline" to a woman battling severe Orthorexia—a condition often hidden behind a mask of health and wellness. They discuss how the medical community frequently overlooks eating disorders in individuals who sit within a "healthy" weight range, the toxic grip of social media algorithms, and the frightening reality of navigating pregnancy while fearing medical intervention. This conversation challenges the definition of health, proving that well-being is about far more than a number on a scale or the "purity" of the food on your plate.

Zoe Harwood is a previous dancer, turned Eating Disorder Recovery and Body Image Coach! She is an NHS Expert by Experience, and Research Associate for The Body Project at the University of Gloucestershire.        

KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • Why the "Athlete" label is often used by doctors to dismiss dangerous symptoms like amenorrhea (loss of period).
  • The paradox of the BMI scale: How Zoe was "healthy" on paper while severely ill, and is now considered "overweight" despite having perfect bloodwork.
  • The connection between Orthorexia and OCD, and how it extends beyond food to household products and medication.
  • The psychological driver of "superiority" that keeps people trapped in restrictive wellness diets.
  • The serious risks of eating disorders during pregnancy, including the link to Hyperemesis and birth complications.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • The BMI Fallacy: A critical look at how the Body Mass Index fails to capture true health, often gatekeeping healthcare for those who don't look "sick enough" while pathologizing those in larger bodies who are metabolically healthy.
  • Orthorexia as Control: Zoe explains how her eating disorder wasn't just about weight—it was about a fear of contamination, leading to a refusal of life-saving interventions like blood transfusions or iron tablets during childbirth.
  • Wellness Culture Traps: How social media algorithms can radicalize "healthy eating" into obsessive behaviors, promoting fear of ingredients and creating a false sense of moral superiority.
  • Food Noise vs. Action: A powerful distinction in recovery—Zoe admits the intrusive thoughts about food haven't fully disappeared, but her power lies in eating the food anyway, regardless of the fear.

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Behind the Bite
  • 00:55 Welcoming the Audience
  • 01:09 Challenging the BMI Myth
  • 01:58 Introducing Zoe Hardwood
  • 04:19 Zoe's Journey in Dance and Disordered Eating
  • 05:00 Holistic Approach to Dance Education
  • 14:27 Orthorexia and Wellness Culture
  • 19:07 The Impact of Social Media on Eating Habits
  • 23:14 Using Negative Associations to Avoid Certain Foods
  • 23:51 Challenges of Early Veganism
  • 24:30 Impact on Family and Guilt
  • 25:30 Pregnancy and Eating Disorders
  • 28:34 Postpartum Struggles and Recovery
  • 32:17 Realizing the Need for Change
  • 35:10 Working with Eating Disorder Clients
  • 39:14 How to Reach Out for Help
  • 42:22 Conclusion and Resources

CONNECT WITH ZOE HARWOOD:

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.