Note sull'episodio
In this episode of Project Unlaced, we sit down with Jason Wood, Director of Community Engagement at ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders), to talk about eating disorders, recovery, and breaking long-standing stigma—especially for men.
Jason shares his personal journey with orthorexia, including how weight-based bullying, perfectionism, and diet culture fueled over 20 years of disordered eating. He opens up about the pivotal moment in 2020 that led him to seek help and how recovery has reshaped his understanding of health, identity, and connection.
Together, we explore:
- What orthorexia is and how “healthy eating” can become harmful
- How eating disorders impact mental, social, and emotional health, not just food
- Why men’s eating disorder experiences are often overlooked
- The role of perfectionism, control, and routine in eating disorders
- How sharing your story can be a powerful part of healing
- Ways friends, family, and coaches can support someone without causing shame
- Why recovery is nonlinear and doesn’t have a “look”
Jason also talks about writing his book Starving for Survival, the importance of representation, and the work ANAD is doing to provide free, peer-led support to anyone struggling or supporting someone with an eating disorder.
If you or someone you love is navigating disordered eating, this conversation offers honesty, hope, and practical insight—along with a reminder that you are not alone.
Resources mentioned:
- National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders (ANAD): anad.org
- ANAD Helpline, support groups, and peer mentorship programs (all free)