In this powerful episode of Field Notes, Heather Moon sits down with Jenny Loudon, co-founder of the Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance, for a compassionate and eye-opening conversation about the reality of eating disorders.

Jenny explains why these illnesses are so often misunderstood, overlooked, or minimized — especially when someone does not "look sick." The discussion explores how eating disorders impact the mind, body, relationships, and identity, while challenging many common assumptions around food, weight, and health.

From social media pressure and perfectionism to atypical anorexia, binge eating disorder, orthorexia, and the lack of treatment access in Alaska, this episode offers both education and hope.

Most importantly, it reminds listeners that eating disorders are serious, but recovery is absolutely possible with the right support.

Learn more about Jenny and AKEDA here: https://www.akeatingdisordersalliance.org/

Key Takeaways:

• Eating disorders are both mental and physical illnesses — and they can be life-threatening.

• You cannot tell if someone has an eating disorder just by looking at their body.

• Disordered eating exists on a spectrum, and people deserve help before things become extreme.

• Social media can fuel shame, rigidity, and body comparison, so auditing your feed matters.

• Recovery is possible, especially when people get specialized support early.