GLP-1s, Boundaries, and Protecting Your Recovery

Send us Fan MailGLP-1 medications are no longer just a headline, they’re showing up at family parties, in group chats, and at work. When bodies change fast and the story is “I’m just eating cleaner,” it can stir up a messy mix of grief, anger, jealousy, confusion, and shame, especially for anyone healing their relationship with food. We wanted a real conversation that doesn’t flatten this into good or bad.We’re joined by Jillian Higbee, LPC and founder of Higbee Counseling, to unpack GLP-1s through the lens of eating disorder recovery, body image, and diet culture. We talk about why clients often assume their therapist or registered dietitian will judge them, and how we approach these decisions with body autonomy, informed consent, and ongoing check-ins. We also dig into the research gaps and the “experimental phase” reality, plus practical concerns like appetite suppression, GI side effects, consistent nutrition, protein needs, and muscle loss risk.A big thread is food noise: when quieting it can create breathing room and make recovery work possible, and when it can blur genuine hunger cues and increase disconnection. We also get concrete about boundaries, from limiting weight loss talk with loved ones to curating social media, especially as summer ramps up body-focused messaging.If you’re feeling triggered or conflicted, you’re not alone. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs nuance, and leave a review so more people can find support that actually helps.To learn more about Jillian, visit https://www.higbeecounseling.com/. Show notes:Trigger warning: this show is not medical, nutrition, or mental health treatment and is not a replacement for meeting with a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Mental Health Provider, or any other medical provider. You can find resources for how to find a provider, as well as crisis resources, in the show notes. Listener discretion is advised.Resource links:Alliance for Eating Disorders: https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/ ANAD: https://anad.org/NEDA: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/NAMI: https://nami.org/homeAction Alliance: https://theactionalliance.org/NIH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/How to find a provider: https://map.nationaleatingdisorders.org/https://www.psychologytoday.com/ushttps://www.healthprofs.com/us/nutritionists-dietitians?tr=Hdr_BrandSuicide & crisis awareness hotline: call 988 (available 24/7)Eating Disorder hotline: call or text 800-931-2237 (Phone line is available Monday-Thursday 11 am-9 pm ET and Friday 11 am-5 pm ET; text line is available Monday-Thursday 3-6 pm ET and Friday 1-5 pm ET)If you are experiencing a psychiatric or medical emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.Support the show