Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Eating disorders affect nearly 31 million Americans during their lifetime, yet many myths and misconceptions still surround conditions like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder).
In this episode of On Nutrition, pediatrician and eating disorder specialist Angela Mattke, M.D., joins registered dietitian Tara Schmidt to discuss the signs and symptoms of eating disorders, who is most at risk, and why these conditions are about far more than food or body image. They also explore the Minnesota Starvation Study, the connection between nutrition and mental health, the dangers of malnutrition, and the growing concerns surrounding GLP-1 medications and eating disorders.
You'll learn:
• The warning signs of eating disorders
• The differences between anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and OSFED
• How eating disorders affect the brain and mental health
• Why eating disorders can be life-threatening
• The role genetics and environment may play
• How GLP-1 medications may impact eating disorder risk
• Treatment options and recovery strategies
• How to support a loved one who may be struggling
If you or someone you know is concerned about an eating disorder, this conversation offers practical guidance, expert insight, and hope for recovery.
Looking for more On Nutrition episodes? Explore the full podcast library: mcpress.mayoclinic.org/podcasts/on-nutrition
0:00 Content warning and episode introduction
0:42 Listener question about coffee benefits
2:20 Eating disorders overview and scope
3:31 Who gets eating disorders?
7:09 Disordered eating vs. eating disorders
11:30 Common eating disorder types explained
17:47 Minnesota Starvation Study findings
22:23 Health risks and mortality concerns
24:03 GLP-1 medications and eating disorders
27:16 Finding help and treatment options
30:35 Recovery, relapse, and family support
34:02 Intuitive eating and final takeaways
35:13 Episode wrap-up and resources
From Mayo Clinic to your inbox (free):
mayocl.in/3e71zfi
Visit Mayo Clinic:
mayocl.in/2COVmlm
Connect with Mayo Clinic:
Facebook: facebook.com/mayoclinic
Instagram: instagram.com/mayoclinic
X: https://x.com/MayoClinic
Threads: threads.net/@mayoclinic
Eating disorders affect nearly 31 million Americans during their lifetime, yet many myths and misconceptions still surround conditions like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder).
In this episode of On Nutrition, pediatrician and eating disorder specialist Angela Mattke, M.D., joins registered dietitian Tara Schmidt to discuss the signs and symptoms of eating disorders, who is most at risk, and why these conditions are about far more than food or body image. They also explore the Minnesota Starvation Study, the connection between nutrition and mental health, the dangers of malnutrition, and the growing concerns surrounding GLP-1 medications and eating disorders.
You'll learn:
• The warning signs of eating disorders
• The differences between anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and OSFED
• How eating disorders affect the brain and mental health
• Why eating disorders can be life-threatening
• The role genetics and environment may play
• How GLP-1 medications may impact eating disorder risk
• Treatment options and recovery strategies
• How to support a loved one who may be struggling
If you or someone you know is concerned about an eating disorder, this conversation offers practical guidance, expert insight, and hope for recovery.
Looking for more On Nutrition episodes? Explore the full podcast library: mcpress.mayoclinic.org/podcasts/on-nutrition
0:00 Content warning and episode introduction
0:42 Listener question about coffee benefits
2:20 Eating disorders overview and scope
3:31 Who gets eating disorders?
7:09 Disordered eating vs. eating disorders
11:30 Common eating disorder types explained
17:47 Minnesota Starvation Study findings
22:23 Health risks and mortality concerns
24:03 GLP-1 medications and eating disorders
27:16 Finding help and treatment options
30:35 Recovery, relapse, and family support
34:02 Intuitive eating and final takeaways
35:13 Episode wrap-up and resources
From Mayo Clinic to your inbox (free):
mayocl.in/3e71zfi
Visit Mayo Clinic:
mayocl.in/2COVmlm
Connect with Mayo Clinic:
Facebook: facebook.com/mayoclinic
Instagram: instagram.com/mayoclinic
X: https://x.com/MayoClinic
Threads: threads.net/@mayoclinic
