Episode 13: Grace Li & Wendy Huang — Living With Eating Disorder in China and the US

As the discourse around body image evolves and takes shape on the Internet, eating disorders have been thrust into the public consciousness. Distress over one’s own body can lead to unhealthy dieting and excessive exercise, which can later manifest as eating disorders. However, this is not the only cause, and in this episode, we will hear a different perspective. Grace Li shares with us how her childhood experiences and family dynamic have contributed to her eating disorder symptoms. Having lived in both China and the U.S., Grace’s story speaks to how the Chinese and American cultures view and treat people with eating disorders differently. Afterwards, Wendy Huang, a licensed therapist, sheds light on the psychology behind eating disorders and shows us ways to interact with and help our loved ones who may have an eating disorder.

(Picture on the left is Dr. Wendy Huang, therapist at Wellesley College)

Content

3:01 Introduction to Grace and the beginning of her interview

5:19 Grace’s experience disclosing her condition with friends and family

9:13 Grace discusses how her family, instead of the social media, contributed mainly to her adoption of her eating disorder

14:07 Grace’s words to people who are experiencing ED and to the supporters  

17:39 Therapist Wendy discusses the major symptoms of eating disorders and the official classification of them

20:57 Wendy discusses what the loved ones can do to support people with eating disorders & what not to do