ERC & Pathlight In the News

Popsugar writer Emilia Benton discusses the problematic practice of some physicians prescribing GLP-1 agonist medications, like Ozempic, to treat eating disorders. In this article, Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar shares her concerns and the impact of GLP-1 agonist medications on the eating disorder community. "Eating disorders are one of the most fatal mental illnesses; anorexia specifically has the hightest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. This makes prescribing a medication that can potentially trigger disordered eating behavior all the more concerning," said Dr. Wassenaar.

Kris Ramos is a featured guest in this Authority Magazine / Medium piece about supporting a loved one with an eating disorder. Ramos not only shares important tips, but also offers words of hope for those reading who might be struggling; strategies for building resilience; and ideas for individuals, corporations, communities, and leaders to help address issues around eating disorders.

Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar is featured in this informative Denver 9News segment which raises awareness about Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Here, Dr. Wassenaar shares when "picky eating" in children is more than "just a phase" and could signal they have an eating disorder and outlines signs/symptoms of ARFID; how caregivers can support their children; and where to get help.

Leah Young recently shared her perspective on "euphoric recall" -- when someone recounts a negative experience in a positive light -- with HuffPost writer Ashley Broadwater. The article examines what euphoric recall is and how it happens. Young notes, “the same part of the brain that is stimulated during a pleasant experience is also activated when we’re remembering it. We can then minimize experienced consequences, exaggerate the positives and justify any associated costs." The article also provides helpful information about responding to and addressing euphoric recall.

A little stress can be good for us, but too much stress, or chronic stress, can lead to health issues like anxiety, high blood pressure and even a weakened immune system, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

ERC is mentioned in this VeryWell Mind article about visualization meditation and shared a link to our website to a guided meditation video.

Meredith Nisbet was a featured guest on USA Today's The Excerpt to discuss body positivity and image, and navigating healthy ways we view ourselves in an age of Ozempic. In the interview, Nisbet discusses the complexities around GLP-1 agonist medications and the impact on those in the body positivity movement and those with eating disorders or disordered eating. "When we know that these medications mimic some of the symptoms of some eating disorders, it can be really concerning for folks who are in a body positive community who are trying to learn to accept themselves in their current body, who are maybe on an anti-diet journey and are pursuing values aligned with that. It can be really difficult to swallow that someone is taking a medication that mimics something that they've struggled with and maybe they're in recovery from, and that they may know the risks of the medication that we don't really know how it could affect someone who is in recovery from an eating disorder or who has an active eating disorder, or even just someone who is at risk genetically or environmentally from an eating disorder."

Dr. Ellen Astrachan-Fletcher was a featured guest on WGN9's Daytime Chicago to discuss how students--and their caregivers--can manage stress and anxiety during the college decision season. In this segment, Dr. Astrachan-Fletcher shares signs your child is struggling with stress; tips for helping them manage; and how to support your child and get help.

HealthCentral recently featured Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar in this piece that examines the use of GLP-1 agonists as weight loss medications. In the article, Dr. Wassenaar notes, "The impact of drugs like semaglutide on mental health is not yet well understood. . . .What we are seeing is that for some patients who have a history of an eating disorder, using GLP-1 agonists seems to be associated with relapses of their eating disorder."