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Ep. 21 | Navigating The Complex Intersection: Higher Weight Patients and Eating disorders

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podcast

Episode Summary

In this compelling episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley speaks with Kelly Broadwater—psychologist, author, and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist—about a crucial, often overlooked topic: the intersection of higher weight patients and eating disorders. Drawing from her book BariEDucated, Kelly shares the need for more integration between bariatric and behavioral care, highlighting how many healthcare professionals lack adequate training to identify and manage eating disorders in higher weight populations.

Kelly emphasizes that eating disorders do not discriminate by weight, and in fact, higher weight individuals are more likely to be living with undiagnosed eating disorders such as binge eating or atypical anorexia. As anti-obesity medications (AOMs) grow in popularity, Kelly warns clinicians about the importance of proper screening before prescribing and discusses how malnourishment and disordered eating can be masked or misunderstood in these patients. The episode calls for an interdisciplinary, evidence-based approach to obesity and eating disorder care—one that respects nuance, encourages collaboration, and keeps patient safety and dignity at the center.

Key Takeaways

Higher weight patients are more likely to have eating disorders but often go undiagnosed due to stigma and misconceptions.
Atypical anorexia is rising and can present with malnourishment, even in larger-bodied patients.
Anti-obesity medications (AOMs) are not a cure for binge eating disorder and require careful assessment before prescribing.
Interdisciplinary care is the gold standard for both obesity and eating disorder treatment.
Medical professionals play a key role in screening and referring patients to behavioral health specialists when needed.
Integrated care models improve safety, outcomes, and patient-centeredness—especially as more individuals seek weight management treatments.

About Kelly Broadwater, LPA, LCMHC, CEDS-S

Kelly Broadwater is a licensed psychologist, licensed clinical mental health counselor, and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Supervisor. She is the author of BariEDucated: An Integrated Health Guide for Dietitians and Behavioral Health Specialists Caring for Bariatric Surgery Patients. With more than 20 years of experience, Kelly is a national speaker and advocate for improving the intersection of obesity care and eating disorder treatment through multidisciplinary collaboration and clinical excellence.