For too long, eating disorders have been falsely framed as illnesses that only affect white, thin, affluent girls. This narrow stereotype erases countless people’s experiences and blocks them from diagnosis and treatment.
In this episode of Dr. Marianne-Land: An Eating Disorder Recovery Podcast, Dr. Marianne Miller dismantles this damaging myth and explores the liberation truth: eating disorders affect every race, gender, body size, religion, and ability. Yet bias in healthcare, anti-fat bias, racism, ableism, cissexism, and cultural stigma keep many people unseen and untreated.
This episode includes discussion of eating disorders, misdiagnosis, systemic bias, and marginalized identities. Please take care while listening and pause if you need to.
How eating disorders impact BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, fat, neurodivergent, disabled, and faith-based communities
Why biased diagnostic criteria exclude those who don’t fit the stereotype
How systemic oppression drives misdiagnosis and denial of care
Why ARFID is often overlooked in neurodivergent adults, fat bodies, and marginalized identities
What a liberation-focused, inclusive, and neurodivergent-affirming approach to care looks like
If you have ever felt unseen in eating disorder spaces or dismissed because you didn’t “look sick enough,” this episode validates your experience and calls for a more equitable path to recovery.
If ARFID is part of your story—or someone you love—I created a self-paced ARFID and Selective Eating Coursedesigned for adults with ARFID, parents, and professionals. It’s neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed, and sensory-attuned.
Check it out here: www.drmariannemiller.com/arfid
