#143 - "I Developed a Restrictive Eating Disorder in Elementary School. Here’s Why It Wasn’t Diagnosed for Over a Decade" with Gloria Oladipo

Let’s talk about eating disorders that are born from culture and
hidden in plain sight. My guest to share her personal story is
Gloria Oladipo, a 20-year-old Black woman who developed an eating
disorder in elementary school that went undiagnosed for over a
decade. A student at Cornell University, Gloria also works as a
freelance writer and has been published in Teen Vogue,
Healthline, Wear Your Voice, Bitch Media, Bustle, and other
publications.


Here’s a short summary of what we discussed and other resources
you may find helpful in the topic of eating disorders:


Stories of marginalized identities with eating disorders are
common, but they are treated like they are rare.

Well-intended health information is bred in teachers and
school communities and it’s harmful to almost all kids by
perpetuating weight bias, body shame, and teaching disordered
behaviors with food and movement.

Why it took so long for a grown up (a college therapist) to
affirm Gloria’s body and encourage eating disorder treatment.

The “sad reality” that binge eating disorder treatment
markets weight loss outcomes and why it must stop.

Why lack of access to helping professionals of color and size
is problematic for eating disorder recovery. (For more on this
listen to Episode 77: Diversity in Dietetics – Why cultural
competency isn’t enough to improve health care with Tamara
Melton, RDN, Co-Founder of Diversify Dietetics)

Resources

Full list of NEDA resources, including a collaboration with
Instagram, a video, links, and more.

NEDA is doing amazing policy work for legislation for eating
disorder education and resources. Learn about it and support The
Eating Disorders Prevention in Schools Act

Health is doing a series on misdiagnosed eating disorders.
Hear from Savala Trepczynski The Real Reasons Why My Disordered
Eating Went Unnoticed by Almost Everyone and from Shira
Rosenbluth: I Had an Eating Disorder for 21 Years—but Doctors
Wouldn't Diagnose Me With Anorexia Because of My Weight



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About GloriaGloria Oladipo is a
20-year-old Black woman and eating disorder survivor. She works
as a freelance writer and has been published in Teen Vogue,
Healthline, Wear Your Voice, Bitch Media, Bustle, and other
publications. She usually writes about her personal experiences
at the intersections of mental health, race, and gender as well
as politics, pop culture, and TV/Film. Moreover, Gloria is a
current junior at Cornell University studying Government (with a
minor in Arabic), English (with a minor in Creative Writing), and
Performing Arts.


Gloria has struggled with an eating disorder for over five years
and began seeking recovery her freshmen year of college. She uses
her writing to speak candidly about her experiences with her
eating disorder and co-morbid illnesses as well as her experience
in the eating disorder diagnosis and treatment process as a Black
woman. In her free time, Gloria enjoys reading, writing, drawing,
watching plays, and generally reconnecting with her passions as
she seeks recovery.


Website | Instagram | Twitter


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Nothing in this podcast is meant to provide medical diagnosis,
treatment, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. Individuals
should consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical advice
and answers to personal health questions.