85. "GLP-1's Essentially Induce all the Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa" a deep dive on GI Issues in Eating Disorder Recovery with Dr. Sarah Lowenthal, MD, CED-S

If you've ever been in eating disorder recovery and felt like your body was fighting you every time you tried to eat, this episode is for you. Host Allyson Inez Ford, LPCC sits down with Dr. Sarah Lowenthal, MD, CEDS-S, a board-certified family physician and eating disorder specialist based in Mill Valley, CA, for a candid, validating and genuinely eye-opening conversation about gastrointestinal issues in eating disorder recovery.What we cover in this episode:Allyson opens up about her own experience with GI symptoms in recovery and why she's so passionate about getting this information out there- because nobody talked to her about it when she needed it most.Dr. Lowenthal breaks down the most common GI complications she sees in her practice, including:Gastroparesis: Often called "stomach paralysis," this slowing of gastric emptying happens when the body conserves energy in response to restriction. It occurs in people of all body sizes and shapes, not just those who are visibly underweight, and can make eating feel physically impossible even when you're trying to recover.Upper GI complications from purging: including parotid gland enlargement, esophagitis, acid reflux, gastritis, ulcers, and in serious cases, esophageal tears that require immediate medical attention.SIBO and IBS: Dr. Lowenthal explains the significant overlap between these conditions and eating disorders, including how a well-intentioned IBS diagnosis and restrictive dietary guidance (like FODMAPs) can actually trigger an eating disorder in someone with a genetic predisposition.The GLP-1 problem: This is where the conversation gets particularly important. Dr. Lowenthal explains that GLP-1 medications essentially induce the same GI symptoms as anorexia nervosa: gastroparesis, constipation, diarrhea and profound discomfort from chronic undereating and malnourishment. She's seeing patients develop full-blown eating disorders after being started on them. For people with preexisting eating disorders, the risks are even more serious, including dangerous hypoglycemia. Dr. Lowenthal's clinical position: if you've ever had an eating disorder, GLP-1s should be contraindicated.You don't have to white-knuckle it. One of the most important takeaways from this conversation is that there are medical interventions that can help with GI symptoms in recovery. Medications for gastroparesis, treatment for SIBO and proper medical monitoring can make the difference between someone being able to eat and someone continuing to restrict because the physical pain feels unbearable. Suffering through it isn't a healing and there are options available to make this process more bearable.Dr. Lowenthal also shares guidance on how to know when GI symptoms warrant further medical workup and why these symptoms so often get dismissed by providers and what it means for recovery when they are.Connect with Dr. Sarah Lowenthal, MD, CEDS-S: Website: www.sarahlowenthalmd.com Email: [email protected] Dr. Lowenthal sees patients in person in Mill Valley, CA and virtually throughout California and New York.Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns or symptoms you may be experiencing. If you are struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating, please seek support from a licensed professional.Looking for an eating disorder therapist and interested in working with Allyson and her team?Visit www.eatingdisorderocdtherapy.com to learn about our services and schedule a free 15-minute intro call. We work with clients in California, Washington, Utah, Tennessee, Maryland, and Florida.