Why I’m Done Saying “Atypical Anorexia” (It’s All Anorexia, Period.)

In this solo episode of Dr. Marianne-Land: An Eating Disorder Recovery Podcast, fat-positive therapist and eating disorder specialist Dr. Marianne Miller, LMFT explains why she no longer uses the label “Atypical Anorexia.” She discusses how anti-fat bias, weight stigma, and systemic discrimination in eating disorder treatment have shaped the diagnostic criteria for anorexia and harmed people in larger bodies. Listeners will learn how the term “atypical” upholds thinness as the standard for illness, why that belief leads to delayed diagnoses, and how shifting our language can expand access to inclusive, weight-neutral, and neurodivergent-affirming eating disorder care. Through clinical insight, real-world examples, and liberation-focused analysis, Dr. Marianne reframes what anorexia recovery truly means: healing one’s relationship with food, body, and self without hierarchy, shame, or size bias. Key SEO Topics Covered What Is “Atypical Anorexia”? Understanding the origins of the term and how it reinforces weight stigma and anti-fat bias. Why Thinness Shouldn’t Define Anorexia: How body diversity challenges outdated diagnostic models. The Role of Weight Stigma in Anorexia Recovery: How medical bias limits access to eating disorder therapyand treatment coverage. Cultural and Systemic Bias in Eating Disorder Diagnosis: How fatphobia, whiteness, and ableism distort who gets diagnosed. Intersectionality and Neurodivergence: How autism, ADHD, race, and gender identity affect the experience and recognition of anorexia. What Inclusive Eating Disorder Treatment Looks Like: How clinicians can provide weight-inclusive, trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming care. Body Liberation and Recovery: Why reclaiming the word “anorexia” for all bodies fosters belonging and healing. Who This Episode Is For This episode is for anyone interested in inclusive anorexia recovery and liberation-centered eating disorder treatment. It’s especially for: People in larger bodies who have experienced restriction or medical dismissal. Clinicians seeking to decolonize their approach to eating disorder therapy. Neurodivergent listeners navigating food restriction or sensory challenges. Individuals recovering from anorexia who were told they are “not sick enough.” Advocates, parents, and students learning about anti-fat bias and weight-inclusive recovery models. Why This Conversation Matters The label “Atypical Anorexia” perpetuates harmful myths about body size, illness, and worthiness. It tells people in larger bodies that their pain is less valid and their recovery less urgent. In reality, anorexia occurs in every body size, race, gender, and neurotype. By challenging the term “atypical,” Dr. Marianne advocates for body-liberation-aligned, anti-bias eating disorder therapy that validates all lived experiences. This conversation helps listeners unlearn weight stigma and invites the eating disorder field to adopt inclusive, evidence-based, fat-positive practices that honor every body’s right to care and nourishment. Other Episodes on "Atypical Anorexia" Atypical Anorexia Explained: Why Restriction Happens at Every Body Size on Apple or Spotify.Atypical Anorexia with Amy Ornelas, RD on Apple or Spotify.Atypical Anorexia: Mental & Physical Health Risks, Plus How the Term is Controversial on Apple or Spotify.What Is Atypical Anorexia? Challenging Weight Bias in Eating Disorder Treatment with Emma Townsin, RD @food.life.freedom on Apple or Spotify. Learn More and Get Support Visit drmariannemiller.com to learn more about Dr. Marianne Miller’s eating disorder therapy, coaching, and educational resources. Her website offers blog posts, podcast transcripts, and tools for people seeking anorexia recovery support, ARFID education, and neurodivergent-affirming treatment.