207. Exploring the intersectionality of eating disorders: LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent perspectives on recovery with dietitian Korey Baruta

In this episode of Holistic Health Radio, host Sarah Liz King interviews Korey Baruta, an accredited practicing dietitian and credentialed eating disorder clinician. Korey shares their personal journey with an eating disorder and how it shaped their career. They discuss the importance of weight-neutral and trauma-informed approaches to healthcare, as well as the intersectionality of eating disorders with LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent identities. They also explore the challenges and considerations when working with neurodivergent individuals in eating disorder treatment. Sarah and Korey emphasise the need for individualised approaches and the importance of including diverse populations in research and treatment.  Connect with Korey on Instagram @nutrition.for.every.body and find out more about their services at nutritionforeverybody.com.au   ❤️ Join my newsletter list for weekly motivation and inspiration and you'll also receive a FREE copy of my eBook "Body Confidence (for life!) guide" ❤️ Ready to get your period back? Join the next round of Healing Hypothalamic Amenorrhea! This 8-week, hybrid group and 1:1 coaching program is designed to help you recover your period while improving your relationship with food, exercise and your body. Find out details and sign up here: https://sarahlizking.com/healing-ha/ ❤️ Take the next steps towards full recovery by checking out our signature coaching program, Recover and Thrive. ❤️ Work with me and my team to improve your relationship with food and exercise by heading to www.sarahlizking.com and filling out the contact form. ❤️ If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5⭐️ review and share a screenshot on Instagram by tagging myself @sarahlizking and I'll be sure to reshare. ❤️ Connect with me on social media by following me on Instagram, Tiktok or Youtube     Here are some key moments from the episode you don't want to miss: *The Introduction [00:00:00]* Sarah introduces herself and Corey, highlighting Korey's experience with eating disorders and disordered eating. *Coffee Order [00:01:30]* Sarah asks Korey about their coffee order and they discuss their love for oat lattes and alternative milk. *Gratitude for Self-Discovery [00:03:08]* Korey expresses gratitude for their journey of self-discovery, specifically regarding their neurodivergent identity. *The personal journey and career path [00:11:07]* Korey shares their personal journey with an eating disorder and how it shaped their career as a dietitian. *Influence of neurodivergence on their journey [00:11:42]* Korey reflects on their recent diagnosis of ADHD and how it relates to their experiences with anxiety and insecurity. *Development of the eating disorder and denial [00:18:19]* Korey discusses how their desire to lose weight initially seemed normal, but eventually led to forgoing enjoyable activities and recognizing the need for help. *The inpatient stay and acute psychiatric intervention [00:24:22]* Korey discusses their personal experience with an eating disorder, including the need for a significant inpatient stay and acute psychiatric intervention. *Engaging with an outpatient team [00:26:38]* Korey talks about their recovery journey, which involved regular appointments with a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and dietitians. *The benefits of feeling better in recovery [00:30:35]* Sarah and Korey discuss the importance of experiencing improvements in physical and mental health during the recovery process to build confidence and motivation. *Weight neutral care and trauma informed approach [00:36:37]* Discussion on the potential benefits of weight neutral care and the recognition of the harm caused by a weight centric approach in healthcare and treatment settings. *Intersectionality of LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent identities with eating disorders [00:38:15]* Exploration of the higher risk of eating disorders within the LGBTQIA+ community and the intersection between neurodivergent and eating disorders. *Considerations for neurodivergent individuals in eating disorder treatment [00:43:37]* Discussion on the need to adapt traditional eating disorder treatment approaches for neurodivergent individuals, including considerations of sensory processing and sensory stimuli, and the importance of awareness of external and internal senses in the body. *Neurodivergent people and intuitive eating [00:52:03]* Discussion on how intuitive eating may not be appropriate for neurodivergent individuals and the importance of recognising different experiences of hunger and fullness.  *Instances where hunger and fullness don't occur [00:53:26]* Examples of situations where anxiety, stress, being an athlete, or engaging in high-volume exercise can affect hunger and fullness cues. *Individualised approach to treatment [00:55:30]* Emphasising the need for individualised care and tailoring treatment plans to the specific needs and goals of each person with an eating disorder.