Fear Less

85. What If It's Not About Food? Understanding Fear and Eating Disorders


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What if your child's struggle with food isn't really about food at all—but about fear? In this powerful episode of Fear Less, host Zack sits down with Libby Parker, a registered dietitian, certified eating disorder specialist, and author of Permission to Eat, to explore how fear, anxiety, and control often lie at the heart of eating disorders. Drawing on both her personal recovery and clinical expertise, Libby explains how restrictive or binge cycles develop, why they can be so difficult to break, and how compassionate, evidence-based approaches—like exposure therapy—can help young people find freedom and self-trust again.

Parents will gain practical insight into recognizing early warning signs, understanding the role of fear in their child's behaviors, and responding with curiosity instead of panic. Together, Zack and Libby illuminate the deep connection between anxiety and disordered eating—and offer hope that recovery begins when families and clinicians work together to loosen fear's hold.

Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Jenni Schaefer, author of "Life without Ed" to help you Fear Less!

To find out more about Libby Parker check out her Theraden weblink- https://www.therapyden.com/therapist/libby-parker-ms-rd-cdn-ceds-c-new-york-ny

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

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Fear LessBy Zack Schafer

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