A woman who wears a size 22 tells her followers she has atypical anorexia. She posts photos of her meals. She counts calories on camera. She warns about the dangers of restriction. Doctors who see her content are alarmed. Not because she is lying. Because she is telling the truth.

Atypical anorexia is diagnosed when a patient meets all the criteria for anorexia nervosa except being underweight. The patient engages in severe calorie restriction, has an intense fear of gaining weight, and experiences significant weight loss. But because they started at a higher weight, they may still be overweight or even obese when they develop the disorder.

In this episode, I explore the controversial phenomenon of plus-size models who claim to have eating disorders while continuing to model plus-size clothing. Critics argue they are glamorizing a deadly illness. Supporters argue they are raising awareness about a population that is often ignored. The medical reality is that atypical anorexia can be just as dangerous as typical anorexia. Electrolyte imbalances, heart arrhythmias, and organ failure do not care what size you wear.

Turn down the lights, put on your headphones, and press play because the plus-size model who says she is anorexic is not a contradiction. She is a symptom of a healthcare system that only recognizes eating disorders in thin bodies.