In this week's episode, Han is joined by Dr. Kai Thomas to mark Trans Day of Visibility. Kai is a postdoctoral researcher at Cardiff University and the lead investigator of the LEADING Study, which explores eating disorders in neurodivergent and gender-diverse individuals.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Kai’s personal experience of anorexia and realising they were trans during recovery
• Factors such as gender dysphoria which can trigger eating disorders in trans folks
• How gatekeeping and BMI restrictions in gender-affirming care can fuel disordered eating
• The aims of the LEADING Study and the importance of co-producing research with lived experience
• What clinicians need to better support trans and gender-diverse individuals
• The need for individualised, inclusive care and better clinical training

⏱️ Timestamps:

• [03:00] – Kai’s lived experience of anorexia and being trans
• [15:20] – Introduction to the LEADING Study and its aims
• [19:00] – Gender diversity, neurodivergence, and overlapping experiences
• [23:16] – Misconceptions: “Being trans causes eating disorders”
• [26:00] – Barriers to accessing gender-affirming care care
• [33:00] – What Kai hopes the research will change in healthcare
• [35:00] – Why clinicians need training and confidence to support trans people

The LEADING Study is looking to hear from trans, gender diverse, and nonbinary people to understand the links between gender diversity, neurodivergence and eating disorders.

We are looking for people who are…

• Aged 18+ years,
• Currently based in the UK and fluent in English,
• Trans, gender diverse, and/or non-binary,
• And have lived experience of an eating disorder (current or historical) - diagnosis not required to take part.

Email: [email protected] | [email protected]

Socials: Linktree | Kai's LinkedIn | Kai's Research Profile

TW: This episode discusses eating disorders, gender dysphoria, disordered eating behaviours, and barriers to gender-affirming care. Please listen with care and seek support if needed.

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🎙️ Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast here

📲 Follow Full of Beans on Instagram here

✍🏻 Read our latest blog here

Thank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!

This week, I’m joined by Bayada Mohamed Osman, a Sudanese-American advocate, public health professional, and poet with roots in the DMV. Bayada shares her journey navigating eating disorder recovery, the impact of culture and religion, and her advocacy for marginalised communities, including her work supporting Sudan during its ongoing crisis.

Key takeaways:

• Public health & advocacy: How Bayadir's background shaped her understanding of mental health
• Culture & eating disorders: The intersection of culture, religion, and disordered eating in Sudanese & Muslim communities
• Resonating with diagnosis: Why eating disorders don’t fit one mold & how they manifest differently
• Control, trauma & survivor’s guilt: How these factors play a role in disordered eating patterns
• Ramadan & recovery: Navigating fasting while prioritizing health
• Community & healing: Why connection, advocacy, and self-compassion are key in the recovery journey

Timestamps:

[00:34] – Bayadir’s background in public health and advocacy

[05:50] – Being diagnosed with ARFID & eating disorder unspecified

[15:30] – Cultural stigma around eating disorders & mental health

[24:10] – Survivor’s guilt, food security & balancing advocacy

[38:00] – How Bayadir shifted her mindset towards recovery

[44:50] – The role of religion in healing & navigating Ramadan

TW: This episode discusses eating disorders, famine, and war. Please listen with care. If you or someone you know needs support, contact a trusted professional or helpline.

Connect with Bayada:

📲 Instagram: @yourbaya | @bridges.co

🌐 Website: yourbaya | bridges.co

Connect with Us:

🎙️ Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast here

📲 Follow Full of Beans on Instagram here

✍🏻 Read our latest blog here

Thank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!

✨ Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who might need it! ✨

In this week's episode, Han is joined by Fiona Hollings (Fi), an autistic advocate who has nearly recovered from anorexia. Fi shares her journey of navigating an eating disorder while being undiagnosed autistic, the challenges of treatment that wasn't tailored to neurodivergent needs, and how understanding her autism helped her move toward recovery. Together, Han and Fi explore the crucial overlap between autism and eating disorders and discuss how treatment can be adapted to better support autistic individuals.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Understanding the Autism-Anorexia Connection: Exploring why autistic individuals may be more susceptible to developing eating disorders.
• Challenges in Traditional Treatment: Why standard eating disorder treatment often fails autistic individuals and what needs to change.
• The Role of Routine and Sensory Considerations: How structure and sensory adaptations can make recovery more manageable.
• Managing Autism to Aid Recovery: How embracing autistic traits can support a sustainable recovery from an eating disorder.
• The Peace Pathway Approach: How this initiative is revolutionizing eating disorder treatment for autistic individuals.
• Taking Action: How listeners can advocate for better treatment adaptations and find support resources.

Timestamps:

• [03:36] - Fi introduces herself and her journey
• [09:33] - The struggles of being autistic in traditional eating disorder treatment
• [16:12] - The impact of an autism diagnosis on recovery
• [24:01] - Practical strategies for recovery while being autistic
• [35:56] - Understanding the Peace Pathway and its role in improving care
• [42:30] - The importance of individualized treatment for eating disorders
• [46:02] - Where to find Fi online and closing thoughts

Resources & Links:

• The Peace Pathway
• Follow Fi on Instagram (@finding_fi_)
• Connect with Fi on LinkedIn

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses eating disorders and neurodiversity. Please take care while listening. If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to a trusted professional or helpline.

Connect with Us:

🎙️ Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast here

📲 Follow Full of Beans on Instagram here

✍🏻 Read our latest blog here

Thank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Chelsea Roff returns to the podcast to discuss the Assisted Dying Bill before Parliament and its potential implications for individuals with eating disorders.

Chelsea shares insights from her research, highlighting the concerning gaps in safeguarding and the risk of eating disorder patients qualifying as "terminally ill."

We explore the ethical, medical, and policy challenges surrounding assisted dying, the importance of proper treatment access, and why public awareness and advocacy are crucial.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Understanding the Assisted Dying Bill: A breakdown of what the bill proposes and who it applies to.
• Eating Disorders and Assisted Death: Why individuals with eating disorders may be at risk of qualifying under this bill.
• The Capacity Debate: The complexities of assessing capacity in patients with severe anorexia and the lack of safeguards.
• The Role of the NHS: Why improvements in eating disorder treatment services should be a priority over expanding assisted dying laws.
• Legislative Concerns: Why individual cases should not drive national legislation and the risks of setting a dangerous precedent.
• Action Steps: How listeners can get involved, contact MPs, and push for necessary amendments to safeguard vulnerable individuals.

Timestamps:

[02:52] Chelsea returns to the podcast – reflecting on the past year.

[09:00] What is the Assisted Dying Bill? Key details and potential implications.

[18:20] "Terminal anorexia" – breaking down the terminology and its impact.

[26:40] The complexity of assessing capacity in eating disorder patients.

[35:10] The role of the NHS in supporting patients before reaching crisis.

[44:00] What amendments have been proposed, and why were they rejected?

[51:00] How you can take action to protect vulnerable individuals.

Resources & Further Reading:

• Read the full bill here
• Read the letter to MPs about the bill here
• Read Chelsea’s Research on Assisted Dying & Eating Disorders here
• Write to Your MP: use the template here

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses eating disorders, assisted dying, and suicide prevention. Please take care while listening. If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to a trusted professional or helpline.

Connect with Us:

🎙️ Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast here

📲 Follow Full of Beans on Instagram here

✍🏻 Read our latest blog here

Thank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!

In this week's episode, Han is joined by Georgia Spence. Georgia is an Associate Nutritionist registered with the Association for Nutrition, and specialises in women’s health. Georgia works 1 day a week for her Nutrition Business (Georgia Spence Nutrition) and works 4 days in the NHS. Georgia has been working with patients 1:1 over the last 3 years and aims to empower women's health through nourishment and balance; using evidence-based methods designed to create long-lasting positive results in a calm and supportive environment.

This week, we discuss:

• The impact of nutritional misinformation, in particular involving women's health.
• The truth behind painful periods and when to seek help.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and what symptoms may women experience.
• The impact that PCOS can have on fertility.
• The link between eating disorders and PCOS.
• The impact of weight loss recommendations on PCOS support.
• Supportive approaches to navigating PCOS without restrictive eating.
• Holistic approaches to nutrition and exercise to find joy in movement and self-care.

To learn more about Georgia, you can visit her website or follow her on Instagram (@gspence_nutrition).

Please note that this podcast explores topics some individuals may find difficult to hear and should not be used as a replacement for professional advice. If you need further support after this podcast, please consider talking to someone you trust. You may also wish to contact your GP or mental health professional.

We've included a list of additional support options in case you need them:

Samaritans are here for whatever you are going through. You can call free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.

FirstSteps Eating Disorders is an eating disorders charity for children and their families, young people, and adults affected by eating difficulties and disorders. You can call them on or email [email protected].

Beat Eating Disorders is an eating disorder charity offering support for those with or supporting someone with an eating disorder. You can call their helpline for free on 0808 801 0677 (England), 0808 801 0432 (Scotland), 0808 801 0433 (Wales), 0808 801 0434 (Northern Ireland).

In this weeks episode, Han is joined by Michelle Jacques. Michelle is a devoted mum of two who has lived with ARFID since her son started weaning. Through her own experience of supporting her son with ARFID, she has become a passionate advocate, working tirelessly to raise awareness and support others navigating life with this complex food intake disorder.

ARFID is often misunderstood, yet its impact extends far beyond the dinner plates. It shapes daily life, family dynamics, and emotional wellbeing. Michelle’s journey sheds light on the challenges children and their families face, offering insight, understanding, and hope to those struggling in silence.

This week, we discuss:

• Michelle’s personal experience of supporting her son with ARFID.
• The challenges Michelle has faced in getting an ARFID diagnosis for her son.
• The role of connection and support from other parents supporting children with ARFID.
• The challenge of facing fear foods for Michelle’s son.
• Navigating the social aspects of food with ARFID.
• The importance of recognising small wins and not just focusing on food in ARFID recovery.
• The impact on family life and dynamics when navigating ARFID.
• The reality of ARFID recovery and the importance focuses.

To learn more about Michelle, you can follow her on Instagram @arfid_life_uk, or follow Michelle's new podcast @3mums1missionarfid/,

Please note that this podcast explores topics (including eating disorders including ARFID) that some individuals may find difficult to hear and should not be used as a replacement for professional advice. If you need further support after this podcast, please consider talking to someone you trust. You may also wish to contact your GP or mental health professional.

We've included a list of additional support options in case you need them:

Samaritans are here for whatever you are going through. You can call free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.

FirstSteps Eating Disorders is an eating disorders charity for children and their families, young people, and adults affected by eating difficulties and disorders. You can call them on or email [email protected].

Beat Eating Disorders is an eating disorder charity offering support for those with or supporting someone with an eating disorder. You can call their helpline for free on 0808 801 0677 (England), 0808 801 0432 (Scotland), 0808 801 0433 (Wales), 0808 801 0434 (Northern Ireland).

Eleanor is a Psychology student and Lived Experience Professional working as a Peer Support Worker on a CAMHS ward and a Patient Representative for the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Eleanor is passionate about using her lived experience of neurodivergence, mental illness and iatrogenic harm to improve service development and provision, particularly concerning the use of restrictive practice and ‘positive risk-taking’ on psychiatric wards.

• Eleanor's journey through mental illness.
• Understanding the difference between mental health and mental illness.
• The impact of misdiagnosis - in Eleanor's case, Autism and ADHD, which were misdiagnosed as Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD).
• The role of neurodiversity in Eleanor's experience.
• Navigating mental health practices including restrictive practice and positive risk-taking and how this needs to be managed to avoid neglect.
• Eleanor's reflections on her care and how this impacted her recovery.
• The importance of healthcare professionals understanding the difference between their own and their illnesses' voices.
• The current challenges in mental health care including limited resources, funding, staff numbers and education.
• The role of lived experience and co-production in mental health care improvements.

To learn more about Eleanor, you can follow Eleanor on Twitter (@goodmorningels) or connect with her on LinkedIn.

Please note that this podcast explores topics (including eating disorders, self-harm and restrictive practice) that some individuals may find difficult to hear and should not be used as a replacement for professional advice. If you need further support after this podcast, please consider talking to someone you trust. You may also wish to contact your GP or mental health professional.

We've included a list of additional support options in case you need them:

Samaritans are here for whatever you are going through. You can call free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.

FirstSteps Eating Disorders is an eating disorders charity for children and their families, young people, and adults affected by eating difficulties and disorders. You can call them on or email [email protected].

Beat Eating Disorders is an eating disorder charity offering support for those with or supporting someone with an eating disorder. You can call their helpline for free on 0808 801 0677 (England), 0808 801 0432 (Scotland), 0808 801 0433 (Wales), 0808 801 0434 (Northern Ireland).

In this week's episode, Han is joined by Julie White. Julie is a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Neurodiversity Coach, and peer support facilitator, raising awareness of mental health and neurodiversity.

Diagnosed with ADHD in her 40s, she reflects with ‘kindsight’ on her own challenges with executive functioning and disordered eating.

With both personal and professional experience, she supports individuals and organisations in fostering inclusive environments. Julie also recognises and navigates ARFID and disordered eating in her partner, offering compassionate support and understanding.

This week, we discuss:

• Julie's experience of supporting a loved one with ARFID.
• The role of neurodiversity in Julie's experience of disordered eating.
• The signs of symptoms of ARFID Julie recognises in her partner.
• The impact of ARFID on her relationship.
• The misconceptions associated with ARFID Julie has faced.
• The importance of communication in navigating food challenges with ARFID.
• Educating others on ARFID with compassionate curiosity.
• The role of self compassion and kindsight when supporting a loved one with ARFID.

To learn more about Julie, you can visit her website or follow connect with her on LinkedIn.

Please note that this podcast explores topics some individuals may find difficult to hear and should not be used as a replacement for professional advice. If you need further support after this podcast, please consider talking to someone you trust. You may also wish to contact your GP or mental health professional.

We've included a list of additional support options in case you need them:

Samaritans are here for whatever you are going through. You can call free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.

FirstSteps Eating Disorders is an eating disorders charity for children and their families, young people, and adults affected by eating difficulties and disorders. You can call them on or email [email protected].

Beat Eating Disorders is an eating disorder charity offering support for those with or supporting someone with an eating disorder. You can call their helpline for free on 0808 801 0677 (England), 0808 801 0432 (Scotland), 0808 801 0433 (Wales), 0808 801 0434 (Northern Ireland).

In this week's episode, Han is joined by Bethany Ashley Smith. Bethany is a psychotherapist who is on a to help people feel more confident and independent in their healing journey. Bethany has spent 20 years combining her own lived experiences, working as a mental health nurse and her professional expertise in trauma, addiction, ADHD, and relationships. As a neurodiverse, mixed-race woman who’s walked her own recovery path, Bethany brings empathy and understanding to her work.

This week, we discuss:

• The similarities and differences between eating disorders and addiction.
• The impact of eating disorders on sexuality.
• How eating disorders impact relationships and intimacy,
• The role of education in sexual health and healthy intimacy.
• Changes in sexual desire post-recovery in a new body.
• Managing sexual desire in a healthy, choice-based way.
• Therapist-client dynamics in exploring sexual health.
• The importance of normalising conversations around sex.

To learn more about Bethany, you can visit her website at https://bethanyashleysmith.co.uk/ or follow her on Instagram @bethany_ashley_smith.

Please note that this podcast explores topics some individuals may find difficult to hear and should not be used as a replacement for professional advice. If you need further support after this podcast, please consider talking to someone you trust. You may also wish to reach out to your GP or mental health professional.

We've included a list of additional support options in case you need them:

Samaritans are here for whatever you are going through. You can call free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.

FirstSteps Eating Disorders is an eating disorders charity for children and their families, young people, and adults affected by eating difficulties and disorders. You can call them on or email [email protected].

Beat Eating Disorders is an eating disorder charity offering support for those with or supporting someone with an eating disorder. You can call their helpline for free on 0808 801 0677 (England), 0808 801 0432 (Scotland), 0808 801 0433 (Wales), 0808 801 0434 (Northern Ireland).

In this week's episode, we speak with eating disorder advocate, Nicky Smith, about report released by The All-Party Parliamentary Group, “The Right To Health: People with eating disorders failed”.

The report shares the experiences of those impacted by eating disorders and the inaccessible care for those who need it.

As part of the report, we are calling on the Government to:

🪧Develop a National Strategy for Eating Disorders

🪧Additional Funding for Eating Disorder Services This funding should address the demand for both adult and children’s services

🪧Confidential Inquiry into All Eating Disorder Deaths

🪧Increased Research Funding for Eating Disorders: The aim is to enhance treatment outcomes and ultimately discover a cure for eating disorders

🪧 Non-Executive Director Oversight for both adult and children Eating Disorder Services. This oversight and accountability should be implemented in all NHS Trusts and Health Boards in the UK

Nicky is a member of FEAST and works closely with other family members and carers to advocate for current and emerging eating disorder issues in the UK. Nicky’s daughter has had anorexia for 12 years, so unfortunately Nicky has developed extensive experience from adolescent and adult eating disorder services including inpatient, community, out-of-area placements, sectioning under the Mental Health Act, nasogastric feeding, SEDU, acute mental health and general hospital admissions, hence her passion for support with the End Eating Disorders Campaign.

This week, we discuss:

• Nicky's personal experience of supporting her daughter with an eating disorder.
• The APPG Report on Eating Disorders.
• Recommendations for change in eating disorder services.
• The complexity of recovery and treatment of eating disorders.
• The importance of long-term support and hope.

To read the full report, follow this link.

If you would like to get involved, head over to the End Eating Disorders Website Please visit our website to find out more or search #dumpthescales on social media.

You can also find out more about the APPG and its members on the End Eating Disorders Website.

Additionally, we have drafted an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, asking them to consider our recommendations and take immediate action to end eating disorders. You can keep the pressure up by emailing your MP with our template letter, tweeting your support or sharing our graphics on social media or making a donation to further our campaigning work in this area.

We will also be marching for the End Eating Disorders Campaign on Saturday 7th June 2025, so please come along to show your support!

Find out more by following the campaign on...

Bluesky - @dumpthescales.bsky.social

Twitter/X - DumpTheScales

Instagram - @dump_the_scales

LinkedIn - Dump The Scales

Facebook - Dump the Scales