Naomi closes out Season 3 by reflecting on the interviews and experiences over the last year and for the first time, shares some questions she's gotten from you--the audience! How does one prepare for the holidays when in recovery? How do you approach someone you fear is struggling with an eating disorder? *Note: Picture Blurrfect will be taking a hiatus until June-July 2024 as Naomi welcomes her new baby girl into the world and learns how to be a mama! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you're struggling: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Dr. Ellen Fitzsimmons-Craft of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis joins the podcast to share her vision for how technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to improve accessibility of eating disorder treatments. Naomi and Dr. Fitzsimmons-Craft discuss her work with Tessa, a rule-based chatbot that the National Eating Disorders Association recently used (and took down) to prevent eating disorders and help folks with body image concerns. While technology is not yet perfect, there is incredible potential for these tools to improve accessibility and enable more people to get the care they deserve. Learn more about Dr. Fitzsimmons-Craft's research and background here. Follow Picture Blurrfect on social media: Instagram: @picture_blurrfectX: @BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Yours truly takes the microphone to share her thoughts on how to overcoming "feeling guilty" after eating certain foods or meals while in eating disorder recovery. Just because you FEEL guilty doesn't necessarily mean there is something you SHOULD feel guilty about. Book Naomi Mentions:1. The Weight of Beautiful by Jackie GoldschneiderNote: Please do not read until you feel strong and comfortable in your recovery

Dr. Sam Hahn of Central Michigan University joins the podcast to discuss one of her recent papers that examines how weight perception--how one personally views themselves in terms of overweight, normal weight, underweight--and its potential changes throughout adolescence could predict disordered eating patterns in young adulthood. The episode also touches on Dr. Hahn's interest in investigating how other self-monitoring behaviors (self-weighing, electronic tracking devices, etc.) influences eating patterns, mood, and weight-related behaviors, particularly for vulnerable populations and young adults. Papers Discussed in the Episode:1. Hahn et al., (2023): Do Weight Perception Transitions in Adolescents Predict Concurrent and Long-Term Disordered Eating Behaviors? J Adolesc Health. May;72(5):803-8102. Hahn et al., (2021): Self-weighing among young adults: who weighs themselves and for whom does weighing affect mood? A cross-sectional study of population-based sample. J Eat Disord. Mar 10;9(1):37.Contact Picture Blurrfect:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Time to geek out a little bit this week because who doesn't love to talk about the brain!? Naomi sits down with Dr. Rachel Ross of Albert Einstein College of Medicine to chat about her latest publication in Physiology & Behavior that examines how a specific receptor in the prefrontal cortex--the very front part of our brain--influences food-related decision making. Dr. Ross shares the implications of her findings in the mouse model and how it could shape future research directions in studying food intake and associated behaviors, including eating disorders. Paper Mentioned in the Episode:1. Ross et al., (2023). Prefrontal cortex melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) mediate food intake behavior in male mice. Physiol Behav. 269:114280.Remember to also check out Dr. Rachel Ross' lab website! Dr. Ross is currently seeking a postdoctoral fellow. Reach out to her for more info if interested: rachel.ross@einsteinmed.edu. Contact Picture Blurrfect:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Naomi sits down with Dr. Dianne Neumark-Sztainer of the University of Minnesota to chat about how she became interested in weight-related problems among young people, and how this work culminated into her now thriving research lab, "Project EAT" (Eating and Activity over Time). Topics that emerge from the discussion include: yoga and mindfulness and its connection to eating disorder/disordered eating recovery, the role of family meals in the development of weight-related problems, and her book, "'I'm, Like, So Fat!': Helping Your Teen Make Healthy Choices about Eating and Exercise in a Weight-Obsessed World."More about Dr. Neumark-Sztainer's work:1. Website: Project EAT lab2. Book: "'I'm, Like, So Fat!': Helping Your Teen Make Healthy Choices about Eating and Exercise in a Weight-Obsessed World."Contact Picture Blurrfect:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Naomi sits down with Dr. Ruth Knight of York St. John University to explore why we often forget to talk about disability when it comes to eating disorder/disordered eating research. As we strive to be more inclusive and representative in our research, are we making the effort to ask individuals with lived experience what they are going through and adjust research instruments/methodologies accordingly? Additionally, Dr. Knight shares her new paper in Journal of Eating Disorders that seeks to understand the effects of gender and sexual orientation on disordered eating. Paper Mentioned in the Episode:1. Knight & Preston (2023): Exploring the effects of gender and sexual orientation on disordered eating: an EFA to CFA study of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. Journal of Eating Disorders. 11. Article number: 100. Contact Picture Blurrfect:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Naomi lets it rip about her views on the healthcare workforce and their treatment of eating disorders/mental conditions after her recent experience at the doctor. The lack of insurance coverage for mental conditions (and especially eating disorders) and the nonstop news about Ozempic/Wegovy were also thrown in the rant for good measure. If you have faced discriminstration at the doctor given your mental condition, or have been denied coverage for your eating disorder treatment, I want to hear from you for a potential future episode! Contact Picture Blurrfect:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

The lovely Jessica Schleider, PhD of Stonybrook University (soon to be Northwestern!) joins the podcast to discuss her latest paper in the International Journal of Eating Disorders that focuses on data from Project Body Neutrality. Results are promising and indicative of the effectiveness of brief, accessible interventions in reducing mental health problems, including disordered eating, body dissatisfaction, and depression. Join us to learn all about single-session interventions (SSIs), body neutrality, scalable mental health, and next steps for Dr. Schleider's lab! Paper Discussed in the Episode:1. Smith et al., 2023: Project Body Neutrality: Piloting a digital single-session intervention for adolescent body image and depression. Int J Eat Disord. 2023 May 2. doe: 10.1002/eat.23976.See More from the Schleider Lab: https://www.schleiderlab.org Contact Picture Blurrfect:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

You ever how the fear of people's perception of you changes how you see yourself, particularly when it comes to your weight and body image? Naomi sits down with Dr. Nora Trompeter (University College London) to discuss her latest paper on the bidirectional relationship between negative evaluation (e.g., the fear of being judged) and weight/shape concerns. Naomi and Dr. Trompeter discuss the implications of this study and its potential impact in improving preventive care for eating disorders/disordered eating. Paper Discussed in the Episode:1. Trompeter et al., 2023: Examination of bidirectional relationships between fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns over 3 years: A longitudinal cohort study of Australian adolescents. International Journal of Eating Disorders. 56 (3). Contact Picture Blurrfect:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Naomi sits down with Brianne Leeson to share her story on how she started recovery for anorexia at the age 15 but wasn't diagnosed as autistic and ADHD until much later in life. Brianne sheds light on how autistic individuals often don't experience hunger the same way as others, and her relationship with food changed when she finally learned she was also experiencing ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). As an LGBTQIA woman, Naomi and Brianne also chat about how prevalent eating disorders are among this population and the stigma that still very much exists, particularly in more southern states. Check out Brianne's podcast! Link: Today's Lucky Winner [Apple]Contact Picture Blurrfect:E-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.comTwitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfect

We all know how quickly (and dangerously) an eating disorder can strip us of our identity... to the point where we are convinced there IS no life away from the eating disorder.  How do you re-establish your sense of self in recovery? How do you become someone that's not defined by the eating disorder? Naomi shares her thoughts. Help is always available. Check out these resources:NEDA Helpline - Call or Text: (800) 931-2237NEDA WebsiteContact Picture Blurrfect:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Naomi sits down with Dr. Tiffany Brown of Auburn University who studies eating disorders in populations that are frequently overlooked, particularly men and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Turns out, we are just starting to uncover data and trends about these groups. Dr. Brown shares her research on day hospital treatment outcomes among sexual minority patients as well as the efficacy of cognitive dissonance-based interventions among gay males. Towards the end of the conversation, Dr. Brown shares next steps for her lab and future research opportunities. Papers Discussed in the Episode:1. Donahue et al., (2020): Examining day hospital treatment outcomes for sexual minority patients with eating disorders. Int J Eat Disord. Oct.,  53 (10).2. Brown & Keel (2015): A randomized controlled trial of a peer co-led dissonance-based eating disorder prevention program for gay men. Behave Res Ther. Nov., 74:1-10.Connect on Social Media/Email:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Grad student spotlight! The first one for Season 3. Jordan Schueler, Clinical Psychology PhD student at Texas A&M University joins the podcast to share her research on intermittent fasting and its relation to binge eating, impulsivity, among other behaviors. Jordan also talks about her dissertation work looking at the effectiveness of tele-health vs. in-person intervention for eating disorder treatment and shares her experience and advice on grad school. Paper Mentioned in the Episode:1. Schueler et al., 2023: Group differences in binge eating, impulsivity, and intuitive and mindful eating among intermittent fasters and non-fastersNEDA Helpline:If you need to talk to someone, please know there is help. CALL: (800) 931-2237 (Monday-Thursday, 11 am - 9 pm; Friday, 11 am - 5 pm)TEXT: (800) 931-2237 (Monday-Thursday, 3 pm - 6 pm, Friday, 1 pm - 5 pmIf you are in a crisis and need help immediately, text "NEDA" to 741741Picture Blurrfect on Social Media:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Dr. Alix Timko of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia sits down with Naomi to discuss one of her recent paper how we diagnose and effectively classify orthorexia nervosa, an eating disorder that's characterized by a fixation on food purity and an avoidance of "unhealthy foods." Dr. Timko makes the case that orthorexia is not a "new" or separate eating disorder, but rather a cultural manifestation of anorexia nervosa.  She and Naomi also chat about her research into sex differences in adolescent anorexia and bulimia, and the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with her patients.Papers Referenced in the Episode:1. Bhattacharya et al., 2022: Cultural shifts in the symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa: The case of Orthorexia Nervosa2. Timko et al., 2019: Sex Difference in Adolescent Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa: Beyond the Signs and SymptomsFollow or Contact Picture Blurrfect:Twitter: @Blurrfect / @NCharalambakisInstagram: @picture_blurrfect E-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

In the second episode of Season 3, Naomi sits down with Dr. Amy Egbert of the University of Connecticut to talk about her research on eating disorders and disordered eating patterns among youth from underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds. Importantly, Dr. Egbert discusses her investigation into how race and ethnicity have been reported in eating disorder studies over the last 20 years, including the trends and long-term implications. As another area of research interest, Naomi and Amy also touch on how food marketing plays a role in the development of disordered eating and eating disorders. As a new faculty at UConn, Naomi and Amy close up the episode chatting about her goals for her brand new lab!Papers Referenced in the Episode:1) Egbert et al., 2022: Reporting racial and ethnic diversity in eating disorder research over the past 20 years. International Journal of Eating Disorders / Vol. 55, Issue 4.2) Egbert et al., 2022: Delicious and difficult to resist?: Inhibitory control differs in young women after exposure to food and non-food commercials. Appetite.  June 1; 173Follow/Contact Picture Blurrfect:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Welcome to Season 3! Naomi spends the first episode of season three breaking down the new childhood obesity guidelines issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics early this year. The first set of guidelines issued in 15 years, the document states that children as young as 12 can be prescribed weight loss pharmacotherapy and adolescents as young as 13 (previously 16) can receive a referral for metabolic/bariatric surgery so long as certain qualifications are met. Did the document discuss the risk of eating disorders? Did it mention disordered eating and weight stigma? Tune in to find out.AAP Guidelines: Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Obesity - [Link]DISCLAIMER: The host is not an expert or medical professional in eating disorders, obesity, etc. The comments made during this episode serve as opinions only and do not represent medical advice. Picture Blurrfect on social media:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

In the final (!) episode of Season 2, Dr. Lisa Anderson of the University of Minnesota joins Picture Blurrfect to share her research exploring the link between "feeling fat," interoceptive awareness, and feelings such as guilt, depression, and disgust. As a fairly new area of study, Dr. Anderson and Naomi discuss how these results could inform future research and, more importantly, potential treatment/therapy options for patients with eating disorders.Picture Blurrfect will resume in January 2023! Stay tuned!Papers Discussed in the Episode:1) Morales et al., 2022: Exploring the contribution of affective constructs and interoceptive awareness to feeling fat. Eat Weight Disord.2) Anderson et al., 2022: "Feeling fat," disgust, guilt, and shame: Preliminary evaluation of a mediation model of binge-eating in adults with higher-weight bodies. Body Image.3)  Anderson et al., 2016: Running to win or to be thin? An evaluation of body dissatisfaction and eating disorder symptoms among adult runners. Body Image.Follow Picture Blurrfect on Social Media:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Dr. Ann Haynos joins the podcast to share all about how her research uses neuroscience to inform clinical interventions. First, Dr. Haynos explains the role of studying "resting state functional connectivity" in eating disorders, and the parts of the brain involved in reward processing; it's especially fascinating to hear how it compares between eating disorder patients and healthy individuals. Then, Dr. Haynos shares how Positive Affect Treatment (PAT), a form of therapy used to treat mood/anxiety disorders, has been recently adapted to help anorexia nervosa treatment. Papers Referenced in the Episode:1. Haynos et al., 2019:   Resting state functional connectivity of networks associated with reward and habit in anorexia nervosa. Human Brain Mapping, 40, 652-662.2. Haynos et al., 2021: Adapting a neuroscience-informed intervention to alter reward mechanisms of anorexia nervosa: A novel direction for future research. Journal of Eating Disorders, 9.Dr. Haynos' Faculty Webpage: https://psychology.vcu.edu/people/faculty/haynos.html. UPDATED November 2023: Dr. Haynos' lab is recruiting! Their new Positive Affect Treatment study is for folks with symptoms of anorexia nervosa who are stepping down from higher levels of care.  Fully virtual treatment study! If interested, please visit: https://t.co/csRpxKKTSi Follow Picture Blurrfect on Social Media:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail the host: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Jason Nagata, MD, MS, from the University of California San Francisco joins the podcast to share his recent work in examining the prevalence of preadolescent eating disorders in the U.S. Additionally, Dr. Nagata explains the role and importance of vitamin D in eating disorder recovery, sharing recent results he recently published on vitamin D levels among males hospitalized for eating disorders. The results further underscore just how understudied male eating disorders are. Papers Mentioned in the Episode:1. Murray et al., 2022: The Prevalence of Preadolescent Eating Disorders in the United States2. Nagata et al., 2022: Assessment of vitamin D among male adolescents and young adults hospitalized with eating disorders. Follow Picture Burrfect on Social Media:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com