Social Media’s Influence on Eating Disorders: Insights from Dr. G

What role does social media play in disordered eating and eating disorders? And how can parents spot early warning signs and have meaningful conversations about these tough topics? In this episode, host Dr. Ruston talks with Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani, a physician specializing in eating disorders for nearly two decades. 

Dr. Gaudiani explains the difference between disordered eating and clinical eating disorders and how social media can fuel both. She shares concrete strategies to help parents talk with their teens, recognize early signs, and prevent problems.

This episode builds on our previous conversation with Isabelle, a young woman who shared her personal journey with an eating disorder and social media’s role in it. You don’t need to have heard that episode first, but they complement each other well. 

This episode is intended for adult and teen audiences but please note it includes discussion of eating disorders, body image, and related experiences, so please listen with care. 

If you or someone you love is affected by any of the issues we talk about today, you’ll find a list of support resources below.

 

Featured Expert

Dr Jennifer Gaudiani, MD

 

Books

Sick Enough: A Guide To The Medical Complications Of Eating Disorders by Jennifer Gaudiani 

 

Time Code

00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age

00:40 Recap of Previous Episode

01:06 Today's Topic: Understanding Eating Disorders

01:30 Meet Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani

01:59 Defining Eating Disorders vs. Disordered Eating

02:08 Impact of Social Media on Eating Disorders

02:19 Clinical Eating Disorders Overview

03:16 Interview with Dr. G: Early Warning Signs

07:27 Social Media's Role in Disordered Eating

10:10 Strategies for Moderating Social Media Use

10:25 Supporting Teens in Recovery

16:33 Parental Challenges and Support

27:34 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

 

Resources

National Alliance for Eating Disorders (“The Alliance”)

• Website: https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com

• Free helpline: 866‑662‑1235 (Mon–Fri, 9am–7pm ET)

• Offers: Personalized support and referrals. Also operates https://www.findEDhelp.com, a free directory of eating disorder treatment centers and providers.

 

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)

• Website: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

• Offers: Free screening tools, treatment locators, support group listings, and educational materials.

 

Crisis Text Line

• Website: https://www.crisistextline.org

• Text “HOME” to 741‑741 to chat with a trained crisis counselor, or use the live chat at the website

• Offers: 24/7 mental health support, resources, and crisis intervention.

 

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)

• Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org

• Text “START” to 678‑678 to connect with a crisis counselor

• Offers: 24/7 crisis support, online chat, and mental health resources tailored to LGBTQ+ youth.