176. Eating Disorders in the Gym: A Former Instructor's Perspective on Identification and Prevention with Brittney Lauro, LCSW

Full & Thriving: A Mental Health and Personal Development Podcast

Welcome to a powerful episode of the Full and Thriving Podcast! In this episode, Meg is joined by Brittany Lauro, LCSW, Clinical Supervisor at Equip, to discuss a critical issue within fitness culture—eating disorders and disordered exercise. Brittany brings her unique perspective as a former fitness instructor to explore how these issues manifest in gym settings and what can be done to address them.
Episode Highlights:
-Fitness Culture and Eating Disorders: Brittany shares her experiences from her time as a fitness instructor, shedding light on the prevalence of disordered eating and excessive exercise within the fitness industry.
- Identifying the Signs* Learn how to spot signs of eating disorders and disordered exercise in gym environments and among friends. Brittany provides practical advice on recognizing harmful behaviors and what steps can be taken to help those struggling.
- Harmful Fitness Mentalities: We dive into problematic fitness mentalities such as the "Burn to Earn" mentality, where exercise is used as a way to justify eating, and the "No Days Off" mindset. Brittany discusses how these attitudes contribute to unhealthy behaviors and the impact they have on individuals.
- Trends and Influence: Explore current trends in fitness culture and how they relate to eating disorders and disordered exercise. Brittany also reflects on the impact of the reality show *The Biggest Loser* and its harmful effects on fitness culture during the 2000s.
- Role of Fitness Professionals: Discover what fitness professionals can do to support their clients and promote a healthier, more balanced approach to fitness and well-being.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in fitness, whether as a participant or professional, and for those looking to understand and address disordered eating and exercise behaviors.
Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on social media using #FullAndThrivingPodcast. Connect with Meg and Brittany to discuss the issues and solutions surrounding eating disorders in fitness culture.
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Tune in now to gain a deeper understanding of eating disorders in the gym and learn how you can make a positive impact in the fitness community! Learn more about Equip and how to receive virtual recovery support: https://equip.health/

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