Shelly Bar MD

04/17/2026

Recovery does not have to begin with motivation. For many people, the first step is simply showing up while feeling tired, hesitant, or unsure.

In eating disorder recovery, motivation can help, but it is not the only thing that matters. When the illness feels loud, even the smallest movement forward deserves care and respect.

Healing can start gently, with support, structure, and patience. Confidence often grows along the way.

You do not need to feel fully ready to begin. Even the smallest sense of openness is enough to take the first step forward. 🌱🤍

Reference:

Robinson, L., Flynn, M., & Cooper, M. (2024). Individual differences in motivation to change in individuals with eating disorders: A systematic review. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 57(5), 1069–1087. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.24178

04/15/2026

“Will your endurance ever come back after recovery—or is this the new normal?” 💭

If you’re an athlete or a parent navigating eating disorder recovery, this question can feel heavy and uncertain. The truth is, endurance can return—but not in the way most expect.

This blog breaks down why performance often declines during recovery (even when training continues), and why pushing harder may actually delay progress. More importantly, it explains how the body rebuilds strength the right way—through proper fueling, structured rest, and gradual, clinically guided training.

Recovery is not the end of athletic identity—it is the start of a stronger, safer one. 🌿

Read our new blog on 𝐀𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲—click link below ↓ 🔗

For many athletes and parents, the hardest part is not the diagnosis itself. It is the quiet fear that follows it:“Will my child ever have the same strength again?”“Will I be able to train without falling back into old habits?”“Why does even a small workout feel harder now?”Recovery can ...

04/10/2026

The week can feel loud, especially when 𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 become persistent and hard to turn off.

As the weekend approaches, you are allowed to gently step back from those thoughts and let your mind rest, without needing to engage with every urge or rule.

A quieter, gentler space is still possible for you. 🌿🌼

04/08/2026

Sinus bradycardia in eating disorders is not a sign of good cardiovascular fitness—it is often a sign that the body is under severe stress.🫀📈

As the body adapts to malnutrition, the heart slows down to conserve energy. However, this can reduce blood flow, disrupt electrolytes, and increase the risk of dangerous arrhythmias.

Early medical evaluation and nutritional rehabilitation are critical to prevent serious complications.

03/27/2026

🍫🍩 🍪🍰
Studies in eating disorders show that restricting “off-limits” foods can increase preoccupation, making them feel more tempting and harder to resist.

What’s forbidden often becomes the focus—but cultivating a flexible, balanced approach to food can help break this cycle. 🍽️✨



References:
Garcia, F. D., & Hormes, J. M. (2024). Food cravings and eating disorders: A systematic review of their role in eating disorder psychopathology. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1298743. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1298743

Arend, A. K., Fuchs, R., & Meule, A. (2024). Food cravings and emotional eating across eating disorder subtypes. Eating and Weight Disorders – Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity, 29, 12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-023-01678-5

Schaefer, L. M., Smith, K. E., Anderson, L. M., & Lavender, J. M. (2023). The role of food cravings in binge eating: An ecological momentary assessment study. Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science, 132(4), 456–468. https://doi.org/10.1037/abn0000832

03/18/2026

Jessie Buckley’s reflection on living with an eating disorder is a powerful reminder that our passions can be bigger than our struggles, and that showing up for what we love is both an act of courage and a choice to fully live.

🎧 Listening to Jessie Buckley on her 𝘽𝘽𝘾 𝙍𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙤 4 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙩 𝙄𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙨 episode, “𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙄 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙘, 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙚, 𝙄’𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚… 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩—𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙗𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙣,” really made us reflect on how many of us push through our own struggles—ED, depression, or doubts—for the things that we value the most.

Her story reminds us that when our craft, our art, or our purpose feels at risk—holding on to what makes us feel alive—with support— is one of the bravest things we can do for ourselves. It’s a reminder that even in vulnerability, we can choose our purpose, our art, and our life. ✨

For anyone facing ED while pursuing their dreams—you are not alone. 💙💜

📌 Credit: BBC Radio, Desert Island Discs | on Instagram | Reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVrSCi5ghGw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
📸 Photo: Jessie Buckley in 2025 by Raph_PH / CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

03/14/2026

Struggling with eating disorders can affect more than just physical health; it can impact focus, learning, and academic performance too. 📖 ✍🏻💡📚

As families, friends, and healthcare professionals, the most powerful thing we can do is offer support, understanding, and compassion. Nourishing a student isn’t just about food—it’s about listening, being present, and encouraging healthy routines without pressure or judgment.

❗Being critical or pressuring only pushes adolescents away, making them more private about their struggles.

Recovery and growth happen best in a safe, supportive environment, where students feel seen and supported every step of the way. 🤍



References:

Claydon, E., & Zullig, K. J. (2020). Eating disorders and academic performance among college students. Journal of American College Health, 68(3), 320–325. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2018.1549556

Serra, R., Kiekens, G., Vanderlinden, J., Vrieze, E., Auerbach, R. P., et al. (2020). Binge eating and purging in first‑year college students: Prevalence, psychiatric comorbidity, and academic performance. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 53(3), 339–348. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23211

Alqahtani, A. S., Aseery, R., Almunifi, A., et al. (2026). Associations of physical activity, disordered eating, and depressive symptoms with academic performance among Saudi university students. Frontiers in Public Health, 14, Article 1769363. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1769363

Abanobi, A. N., Itacy, S., Coleman, C. M., & Harlow, B. L. (2025). Association between eating disorders and sleep duration among college students: Findings from the National Healthy Minds study. Journal of American College Health, 73(1), 399–405. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2023.2225616

Adelantado‑Renau, M., Beltran‑Valls, M. R., Toledo‑Bonifás, M., et al. (2018). The risk of eating disorders and academic performance in adolescents: DADOS study. Nutrición Hospitalaria, 35(5), 1201–1207. https://doi.org/10.20960/nh.

03/11/2026

💭 Anosognosia may lead to:

• Delayed help-seeking
• Resistance to treatment recommendations
• Underestimation of health risks
• Reduced treatment adherence

❗Over time, these challenges can contribute to:

• Longer illness duration
• More complex psychological patterns that may become harder to treat later

Tailored Care Is Essential

Because insight varies between individuals and across eating disorders, personalized and compassionate care is essential. A tailored approach is often more effective than a one-size-fits-all treatment model. 🤍

03/09/2026

📰 A report highlighted by CNN noted that nearly 1 in 10 teenagers worldwide have used weight-loss products, including diet pills and similar supplements. This study has also linked weight-loss product use with factors such as body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and social or media pressures related to thinness.

These findings highlight an important reminder: True well-being comes from balanced nutrition, supportive environments, and evidence-based care that respects both physical and emotional health.

✊ Empowering young people with accurate information, compassionate support, and healthy coping strategies can help them build a more positive relationship with their bodies and with food.

💬 If you or someone you know is struggling with body image or eating concerns, seeking professional support is a strong and positive step forward. You deserve care that prioritizes your health, dignity, and long-term well-being.



References:
CNN. (2024, January 10). Nearly 1 in 10 teens worldwide have used ineffective and potentially harmful weight-loss products, study estimates. https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/10/health/teen-diet-pills-weight-loss-supplements

Hall, N. Y., Hetti Pathirannahalage, D. M., Mihalopoulos, C., Austin, S. B., & Le, L. (2024). Global prevalence of adolescent use of nonprescription weight-loss products: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Network Open, 7(1), e2350940. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.50940

03/06/2026

Why It’s Dangerous 💬

Diabulimia is not just about weight loss.

Skipping insulin can lead to:

• Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
• Severe dehydration
• Nerve damage
• Kidney damage
• Vision problems
• Heart complications

Diabulimia is a serious medical and mental health condition that requires professional treatment and support.

02/28/2026

Eating Disorder Awareness Week 💜💛

Eating disorders are becoming more common, and anyone can be affected.

They don’t have a “look”, so awareness and knowledge are key. Every conversation, every moment of understanding, and every effort to educate ourselves and others can make a meaningful difference.

Awareness is empowerment, the more informed we are, the better we can recognize risks, provide support, and foster a culture of compassion. Let’s use this week to spread knowledge, encourage empathy, and remind everyone that support is available. 💜💛



References:

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. (n.d.). Eating disorder statistics. ANAD. Retrieved February 27, 2026, from https://anad.org/learning-library/eating-disorder-statistic/

National Eating Disorders Association. (n.d.). Statistics. NEDA. Retrieved February 27, 2026, from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/statistics/

Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership. (2025). National audit of eating disorders: Service mapping report 2025 (NAED Service Mapping Report). Royal College of Psychiatrists. Retrieved February 27, 2026, from https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/docs/default-source/improving-care/ccqi/national-clinical-audits/national-audit-of-eating-disorders-%28naed%29/naed-audit-resources/naed-service-mapping-report-2025.pdf?sfvrsn=cf162632_3

Jeffery, A., Hayes, J. F., Launders, N., Lewis, G., Osborn, D., Bould, H., Warne, N., & Solmi, F. (2025). Mortality and hospital admissions in people with eating disorders: Longitudinal cohort study in secondary care‑linked English primary care records. The British Journal of Psychiatry. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2025.69

02/12/2026

Binge eating doesn’t just affect your mental health—it can also have serious 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬. 💉🩸

The good news? Proactive steps can help protect your health and prevent long-term complications.

✅ Focus on balanced meals, regular eating patterns, and mindful eating to help reduce binge episodes.
✅ Monitor your blood sugar regularly to catch early signs of metabolic changes.
✅ Talk to a healthcare professional about any concerns—early guidance can make a big difference.

Even small, consistent lifestyle changes can have a meaningful impact on your physical and mental well-being.

Let’s prioritize your health and work toward sustainable habits that support both mind and body. 🧍 🧠

References:

Alagha, M., Al‑Alam, F., Saroufine, K., Elias, L., Klaimi, M., Nabbout, G., Harb, F., Azar, S., Nahas, N., & Ghadieh, H. E. (2025). Binge eating disorder and metabolic syndrome: Shared mechanisms and clinical implications. Healthcare, 13(5), 482. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13050482

Carpinelli, L., Amato, C., Marinelli, D. A., Stornaiuolo, G., & Savarese, G. (2026). The interplay between insulin resistance, affective dysregulation, and binge eating in obesity: Toward an integrated biopsychosocial treatment model. Obesities, 6(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities6010001

Salvia, M. G., Ritholz, M. D., Craigen, K. L. E., & Quatromoni, P. A. (2022). Managing type 2 diabetes or prediabetes and binge eating disorder: A qualitative study of patients’ perceptions and lived experiences. Journal of Eating Disorders, 10(148). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-022-00666-y