Beyond Food & Weight: Navigating Eating Disorders in Teens

What if eating disorders don’t look the way you think they do?In this episode of Hormones and Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija interviews adolescent medicine specialist Dr. Lauren Hartman to explore the rising prevalence and complexity of eating disorders in pediatric and adolescent populations.With eating disorders presenting at younger ages and across diverse populations, this conversation highlights the urgent need for early recognition and intervention. Dr. Hartman provides a comprehensive overview of how eating disorders exist on a spectrum—from disordered eating behaviors to diagnosable clinical conditions and why waiting for full diagnostic criteria can delay care.You’ll learn how to distinguish between disordered eating and a clinical eating disorder, what subtle signs to watch for, and why early intervention can dramatically change outcomes.Whether you’re a clinician, parent, or someone wanting to better understand adolescent health, this episode offers a compassionate, practical, and hopeful perspective.About Dr. Hartman:Dr. Lauren Hartman is a double board-certified pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist with nearly 20 years of experience treating children, adolescents, and young adults, with particular expertise in eating disorders across hospital and outpatient settings. Throughout her career, Dr. Hartman has held numerous leadership positions at regional and national levels.Currently, she serves on the Eating Disorder Committee for the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM), the premier professional organization for adolescent health specialists. Dr. Hartman maintains a private practice in Berkeley, California Aspen Grove Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine where she specializes in eating disorders.Her forthcoming book, Freeing Children and Young Adults from Shame, Scales and Stigma: A Practical Guide for Parents, Educators and Clinicians, will be published in Spring 2026 by Routledge.Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here:https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrinehttps://unifiedendocrinecare.com/https://www.youtube.com/@chhayamakhijamdhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/Email: [email protected] Download Free Guides/ Resources here:https://linktr.ee/chhayamakhijamdFollow Dr. Hartman here:https://www.aspengroveayam.comhttps://www.instagram.com/laurenhartmanmd/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-hartman-b4bab9a0/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon!