Insights on the Link between GI Disorders and Eating Disorders
At this year’s GI Nutrition Conference, one surprising theme stood out—and it’s too important not to talk about.
I am so grateful I was able to attend the Food the Main Course Gastrointestinal (GI) Nutrition Conference at The University of Michigan again this year. I attended last year and LOVED it. The conference has a unique and (I think) super effective design, where 2-3 speakers are devoted to one topic. Typically, an MD provides the medical perspective, followed by a dietitian who offers a ton of evidence-based clinical applications. All of the speakers are fantastic.
One really surprising theme emerged during the conference, and it kind of bummed me out, BUT I am not discouraged! Below, I share my thoughts on what I observed related specifically to the intersection of GI disorders and eating disorders (EDs). It’s about 11 minutes long – click on the image below if you want to give it a listen.
The TL;DR is that GI professionals:
- Know that there is a high incidence of EDs among the GI population.
- Know the importance of screening and referring out as needed for individuals with EDs.
- But very few feel confident in doing so or know where to refer if need be!
To me, there is a natural synergy between these two worlds with so many shared values and approaches. Now that we are more fully acknowledging this dilemma, I hope we can co-create strategies to BEST support our clients.
One specific dilemma gets named: there are no evidence-based ED screening tools for the GI population. This is a vital and worthy goal. AND as a clinician, it’s my personal belief that doing something is better than nothing in the interim. Let’s not let perfect be the enemy of good enough. There are many super smart minds that can pull together some “light touch” questions to bring the conversation into the room rather than sidelining it altogether.
What do you think?
How can ED professionals support GI professionals to screen and refer ED patients while we are waiting for the research to catch up?
Thanks for being here with me!
One of my very favorite free resources is my Beyond Food Restriction: 23 Essential Tools for Clinicians Treating Digestive and Eating Disorders. Check it out if you haven’t already.
Big shoutout to some of my very favorite ED/GI colleagues from the EDGI Training Project who wrote the fantastic book, “Comprehensive Nutrition Therapy for Co-Occurring Gastrointestinal & Eating Disorders.”
There is nothing else like it out there. I highly recommend it.