Episode description:

In this episode of Peace Meal, Abby Kurszewski reflects on how years of weight-related comments from family and doctors shaped her relationship with food and body image. She explains that these experiences—along with a ninth-grade calorie-tracking assignment—were among the factors that fueled disordered eating during her teenage years. Abby recalls the painful disconnect of being praised for weight loss while suffering inside.

She also speaks candidly about weight bias in healthcare, where providers dismissed her concerns because she lived in a larger body—barriers that delayed access to the care she needed. In 2022, Abby entered The Emily Program’s intensive day treatment and finally felt seen. With support from her treatment team and her dad—her “rock” throughout recovery—Abby began to reclaim herself: “It gave me part of my spark back.”

About Abby:

Abby Kurszewski is a mental health advocate and clinical mental health graduate student from Wisconsin. If given the opportunity, she won’t hesitate to show you pictures of her senior chihuahua, Hugh, and talk your ear off about Taylor Swift. As an advocate, Abby is passionate about sharing her story of being in recovery from mental health issues, including OCD, an eating disorder, complex trauma, depression, and anxiety. When she’s not in class, studying, or working, you can probably find her watching reality TV (most likely Survivor or RuPaul’s Drag Race), trying out local coffee shops, or at the barricade to see her favorite band.

We cover:

How OCD and depression can intersect with eating disorder treatment

Why celebrating weight loss can be harmful (even when well-intended)

How stereotypes about eating disorders can create barriers to care

The importance of finding weight-neutral healthcare providers

How loved ones can help enforce recovery boundaries

The critical need for eating disorder care in rural and underserved areas

What it means to reclaim joy with food (including Tater Tot poutine at a Taylor Swift concert)

In her words:

On the confusion of being praised while unwell: "I knew I was struggling with depression, especially, and anxiety. So I knew people were trying to be helpful when they were complimenting me and saying things like 'you look so good’...But it just reinforced the eating disorder when I was already mentally unwell."

On the power of comprehensive treatment: "All sides were great—the medical aspect, the therapeutic support, the dietitians…The meal support and all that, it was so helpful and so beneficial. Quite honestly, that treatment program told me, 'Hey, maybe you don't have to live your life hating yourself."

On her dad’s unwavering support: "Throughout my entire recovery journey, by far my biggest support has been my dad... He has always had this mentality of, 'I'm here to support you with whatever you need.' And he's not afraid to own up to mistakes or if he says the wrong thing... He just wants [my sister and me] to be happy and healthy."

On why recovery is possible for everyone: "In the same way that eating disorders don't discriminate, recovery doesn't discriminate either... Respectfully, you're not the exception. It is possible."

Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977.

About the podcast:

Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking.

You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends!

Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.