In this powerful and moving episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini welcomes Kerry Melachouris, a former performer turned CCI-certified Eating Disorder Coach and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Kerry brings both lived experience and clinical insight to the table as she shares her decades-long battle with anorexia, bulimia, overexercise, and atypical anorexia—and her journey to full recovery. Kerry’s story challenges two dangerous myths: that only certain bodies can recover and that if treatment hasn’t “worked,” you’re a lost cause. Through raw honesty and hope, Kerry sheds light on the realities of eating disorders in the performing arts, the trauma that often fuels them, and the systemic barriers patients face when seeking care. Together, Kerry and Dr. Castagnini unpack the flawed reliance on BMI and “normal labs,” the harmful role of industry pressures, and why primary care providers need more education on identifying eating disorders. Kerry also speaks candidly about her relapses, health consequences, and how she ultimately found lasting recovery and purpose as an advocate and professional helping others. This conversation is both validating and empowering, proving that recovery is possible at any size, at any stage, and for anyone. Kerry started her career as a nurse and actress. She is now a CCI-certified eating disorder coach and licensed mental health nurse practitioner. She specializes in performers struggling with anorexia, bulimia, overexercise, and atypical anorexia. She loves to advocate for access to care and educating primary care providers.        

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Kerry journey from child performer to nurse and how perfectionism shaped her eating disorder.
  • The role of early trauma and industry body pressures in fueling disordered eating.
  • Why BMI and “normal labs” are unreliable indicators of health.
  • The damaging effects of being told you’re a “lost cause” in treatment.
  • How relapses are part of recovery—and why they don’t mean failure.
  • The unique challenges of atypical anorexia and why it’s often missed.
  • The health consequences of long-term eating disorders, from cardiac issues to surgeries.
  • How Kerry now helps others as a coach and advocate for systemic change.

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Behind the Bite
  • 01:03 Today's Episode: Addressing Misconceptions About Eating Disorders
  • 01:21 Guest Introduction: Kerry Melachouris
  • 03:58 Carrie's Early Life and Struggles
  • 06:17 The Impact of Trauma and Performing Arts
  • 08:00 The Onset of Restrictive Eating
  • 09:23 Navigating the Pressures of the Theater Industry
  • 15:28 First Treatment Experience and Challenges
  • 20:36 Transition to Nursing and Helping Others
  • 21:04 Struggles and First Steps to Recovery
  • 21:09 Meeting Lisa Cantor: A Turning Point
  • 21:45 The Journey to Avalon
  • 22:17 Life After Treatment
  • 23:08 Barriers to Treatment
  • 23:54 Ongoing Health Struggles
  • 25:11 The Importance of Primary Care Awareness
  • 28:31 Atypical Anorexia: Misunderstood and Undiagnosed
  • 32:16 Personal Advocacy and Education
  • 39:03 Final Thoughts and Resources

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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.