What Happens to Hunger with an Eating Disorder | Truth Based Nutrition Podcast Episode 12

We’re breaking down what really happens to hunger cues during an eating disorder and throughout recovery, especially when hunger feels confusing, absent, or completely untrustworthy. This episode walks through how the body was designed to communicate hunger, what goes wrong when restriction or chronic dieting enters the picture, and why the loss of hunger signals is not a sign that the body no longer needs food.

Keywords: hunger cues, fullness cues, hunger and fullness cues, eating disorder recovery, intuitive eating, eating disorder

In this episode, you’ll hear about how…

• Hunger cues can be confusing during eating disorder recovery.

• The body takes years to recalibrate hunger signals.

• Ignoring hunger cues can lead to their shutdown.

• Ghrelin and leptin regulate hunger as key hormones.

• Consistent nourishment helps restore hunger cues.

• Eating consistently is crucial for rebuilding trust with the body.

• Hunger can manifest in various ways beyond physical sensations.

• Structure in eating can aid recovery from eating disorders.

🎧 CLICK BELOW TO LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE:

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Hunger Cues and Eating Disorders

01:56 The Science Behind Hunger Cues

03:20 Understanding Ghrelin and Leptin

06:32 The Impact of Ignoring Hunger Cues

09:44 Low Power Mode: The Body's Survival Mechanism

12:31 The Importance of Consistent Nourishment

15:55 Rebuilding Trust with Your Body

19:35 Conclusion and Encouragement for Recovery

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Resources

https://maddoxnutrition.co/blog/hunger-cues

https://maddoxnutrition.co/blog/why-and-how-eating-disorders-develop