Experts Explain Trauma | Is My Weight Actually Protecting Me?

An episode of the Healing and Growing, Hand in Hand podcast, hosted by Lisa Tickel, titled "Experts Explain Trauma | Is My Weight Actually Protecting Me?" was published on January 15, 2026 and runs 13 minutes.

January 15, 2026 ·13m · Healing and Growing, Hand in Hand

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Summary

JOIN THE HEALING COMMUNITY HERE: https://womenshealingcommunity.carrd.co/Is your body holding onto weight as a trauma response?In this episode of Experts Explain Trauma, psychologist Dr. Jessica Neukam-Helms joins Lisa to unpack a question many trauma survivors ask:“Could my weight struggles actually be my body’s way of protecting me?”If you’ve dealt with emotional eating, binge eating, or long-term body image struggles after trauma, this conversation is for you. Dr. Jessica breaks down the nervous system science behind weight gain, how trauma rewires our eating habits, and why compassion and curiosity are essential for healing.In this video:– Why trauma survivors may hold onto weight as protection– How binge eating becomes a nervous system regulation tool– The role of cortisol, safety, and emotional suppression– Why healing begins with body awareness, not shame– How to stop making weight your enemy and reconnect with your bodyWhether you’re in recovery from trauma, CPTSD, disordered eating, or simply trying to heal your relationship with food—this episode brings insight and hope.🔔 Subscribe for weekly trauma education & expert insights👇 Comment below: Did this resonate with your healing journey?

Episode Description

JOIN THE HEALING COMMUNITY HERE: https://womenshealingcommunity.carrd.co/

Is your body holding onto weight as a trauma response?

In this episode of Experts Explain Trauma, psychologist Dr. Jessica Neukam-Helms joins Lisa to unpack a question many trauma survivors ask:

“Could my weight struggles actually be my body’s way of protecting me?”

If you’ve dealt with emotional eating, binge eating, or long-term body image struggles after trauma, this conversation is for you. Dr. Jessica breaks down the nervous system science behind weight gain, how trauma rewires our eating habits, and why compassion and curiosity are essential for healing.

In this video:

– Why trauma survivors may hold onto weight as protection

– How binge eating becomes a nervous system regulation tool

– The role of cortisol, safety, and emotional suppression

– Why healing begins with body awareness, not shame

– How to stop making weight your enemy and reconnect with your body

Whether you’re in recovery from trauma, CPTSD, disordered eating, or simply trying to heal your relationship with food—this episode brings insight and hope.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly trauma education & expert insights

👇 Comment below: Did this resonate with your healing journey?