Jun 27, 2022
With Dr. Kristine Vazzano, Clinical Psychologist & Clinical Director
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you smile at the person you see looking back at you? I do! I say, “Hello, Florine. It’s going to be a great day!” When I look at my mirror image, I’m so grateful for my health, my life, and my happiness. But it wasn’t always that way! There was a time when I was 50 pounds overweight, and I avoided looking in the mirror. Looking back, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without that experience motivating me to make positive changes. At one time or another, some of us will experience dissatisfaction when we look in the mirror. It’s not uncommon to want to change our appearance or anything else in our life, but statistics have shown that over the past two years there has been a significant increase in the number of people seeking help for severe body image issues and eating disorders.
My guest today, Dr. Kristine Vazzano, is a clinical psychologist specializing in treating eating disorders and body images, and is also the Clinical Director and Founder of Mindfullness, an outpatient clinic offering treatment for those who suffer from these conditions. Dr. Vazzano will tell us what is considered a body image issue, what causes them, how they are treated, and much more.
What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
- What are the different body image issues?
- What causes body dysmorphia?
- Do body image issues impact both men and women?
- How do you diagnose a body image issue?
- What does mindfulness mean?
- Why Dr. Vazzano focuses more on body acceptance than weight.
- Has COVID-19 caused more body image issues?
- What is the difference between anorexia and bulimia?
- Is an eating disorder (ED) a type of addiction?
- What are some success stories from Dr. Vazzano’s clients?
- What is cognitive behavioral therapy and how is it used to treat EDs?
- Is group therapy helpful for EDs?
- What is intuitive eating?
- Are there medications that can help with an ED or body image issue?
Today’s Takeaway: Eating disorders can be regarded as another type of addiction that can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Inpatient hospitalizations for adolescents with eating disorders and other body-image-related health conditions rose over 25% in 2020. Since then, the number has increased even more. During the first 12 months of COVID-19, the number of hospital admissions among adolescents with eating disorders at the University of Michigan Medical School more than doubled. Over the course of the pandemic, the National Eating Disorder Association Helpline reported a 40% increase in call volume. It’s important to seek professional help for any body image concerns that could lead to an eating disorder. As we heard today, there are a variety of treatments that can address these issues, and contacting a qualified therapist who can explore such treatment plans with you is the best course of action. It’s the first step toward getting better. We all have things about ourselves that we wish we could change, and in working to improve ourselves we want to do so in a way that is healthy and sustainable. Remember that every day is a gift, and the gift that we get from learning to love and accept ourselves for who we are is the best gift that we can ever give to ourselves. Learn to befriend the person in the mirror! And treat yourself as you would your own best friend. I’m Florine Mark and that’s “Today’s Takeaway.”
Quotes:
- “There’s really a range when we look at body image struggles and difficulties that people experience.” — Dr. Vazzano
- “It can be a struggle to get ready or to look in the mirror or it can get in the way of relationships or wanting to be with people.” — Dr. Vazzano
- “It is not in any way of how much or how little somebody weighs. It has nothing to do with weight.” — Dr. Vazzano
- “That concept of mindfulness is that idea of being present.” — Dr. Vazzano
- “With intuitive eating, there’s the belief there are no good foods, there are no bad foods; it's about really finding the way to incorporate what your body wants and needs.” — Dr. Vazzano
Brought to You By:
Mentioned in This Episode:
National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA)
If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder; you can call the toll-free, confidential NEDA Helpline, Monday‒Thursday from 9:00 a.m.‒ 9:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m.‒5:00 p.m. at 1-800-931-2237.