How Do I Know if My Child Has Eating Disorder or Body Image Issues?

How Do I Know if My Child Has Eating Disorder or Body Image Issues?

Author: Heather Creekmore - Christian Body Image Author and Speaker March 28, 2025 Duration: 31:59

Host Heather Creekmore sits down with pastor's wife, author, and counselor Kristen Hatton to discuss what to do if your child has (or you suspect they have) an eating disorder or body image issues. Kristen shares the story of her daughter who had a derogatory comment directed at her in 8th grade and then began to restrict food until it became the eating disorder, anorexia. After going through treatment, Kristen's daughter shifted from restriction to a restrict and purge cycle (bulimia) and Kristen, again, had to intervene to help her daughter restore a healthy relationship with food and her body. 

Heather and Kristen have a bit of friendly debate over whether or not encouraging a child to have healthy habits is effective for those with brains that are geared towards restriction or perfection. They also talk about how important it is to help our children be healthy in every area--not just physically, but spiritually and mentally too. Kristen shares what she learned, in hindsight, to look for if your child may be exhibiting signs of an eating disorder or body image issues. She also talks about how to know when you may need to bring in outside help.

Learn more about Kristen Hatton and her books here: https://www.kristenhatton.com

Learn more about Compared to Who? and how to start healing your body image and food issues: https://www.improvebodyimage.com

Check out the Compared to Who? Etsy shop -with hats, tanks, and tees to remind you to stop comparing and start living. Check it out here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/shop

 

 

 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.


Heather Creekmore, a Christian body image author and speaker, hosts Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women. This space is for women who are exhausted by the constant pressure to measure up, whether it's to cultural ideals of beauty, fitness goals, or even spiritual performance. It’s common to know scripture about your worth in Christ yet feel a disconnect when you look in the mirror or navigate daily life. This podcast directly addresses that gap, moving beyond simplistic self-help or well-meaning clichés that often leave you feeling more defeated. Instead, conversations are grounded in a thoughtful blend of faith, mental health, and practical wellness. You’ll hear honest discussions about how spirituality intersects with the very real struggles of body image, diet culture, and personal comparison. Each episode aims to provide not just encouragement but tangible steps to help you live out your God-given identity with freedom and confidence. The goal is a stronger, more integrated faith that transforms how you see yourself, not by the world’s ever-changing standards, but through a lens of grace and truth. Tune in for a candid and compassionate resource that meets you right where you are.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women
Podcast Episodes
What Should You Do When You Feel Fat? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:46
Today's summer replay will encourage you if you're a Christian women who has ever just woken up and felt less-than in her body. Maybe you call it feeling "fat" or maybe you feel "bleh" or "bloated" -- whatever your choic…
Is God Happy When I Lose Weight? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:33
Has the weigh-in woman at Weight Watchers shaped your concept of God? Today's episode was inspired when Heather heard a story of a woman whose body image issues and eating disorders could be traced back to the ever-prese…
What if I Just Want a Body I'm Proud of? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:42
In this summer replay, Heather digs into this common sentiment, "I just want to feel good" or "I just want to feel okay" about my body. What's wrong with wanting a body you can be "proud of?" She explores how this is a s…
Surrendering Certainty: How Do We Trust in God and Not Our Plans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:15
Heather interviews author and speaker, Abby McDonald about her new book, "Surrendering Certainty: Hearing God Today By Letting Go of Tomorrow." Abby and Heather talk about how we can hear and receive direction from God e…
How Do I Get Over What Others Think of Me Coaching Presli [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:09
Today's live coaching call with Presli will make you think and encourage your heart. Heather coaches Presli through what to do when she panics, freezes, and feels insecure around women who are thinner, prettier, or more…
What to Do if You Feel Like the Fattest Person in the Room? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:54
Have you ever felt like you were the fattest or ugliest person in the room? Maybe you showed up at an event and feel self-conscious because everyone is smaller or better looking than you. It's happened to all of us, but…
Should I Worry About My BMI? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:37
Stressing over your BMI? Perhaps a recent doctor's visit has you spiraling over what you need to do to change your Body Mass Index. Today, Heather sits down with two authors who have researched the history, background, a…
Will Dance Give My Daughter Body Image Issues? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:59
Have you ever wondered if participating in dance could lead to body image issues? Heather talks to clients with a dance background and have body image issues from what a dance instructor said or from participating in an…
Will Ozempic Weight Loss Drugs Fix My Body Image Issues? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:55
In today's "Me vs. ChatGPT" episode, Heather tackles the topic of Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonist medications that are now being prescribed to people for weight loss. She uses ChatGPT to help answer the question, "Will O…