Real Health Radio 358: CBT For Eating Disorders, Chronic Pain, Insomnia, Depression, Diabetes and GLP-1’s with Jennifer Averyt
Mar 27, 2026
Dr. Jennifer Averitt, a clinical health psychologist specializing in CBT and mindfulness for diabetes, sleep, pain and eating disorders, plus co-author of a weight-inclusive CBT workbook. She discusses weight-inclusive care, the rise and unknowns of GLP-1 medications, CBT approaches for eating disorders, insomnia, chronic pain and diabetes distress, and how screening and community support aid recovery.
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Eating Disorder Presentations Are Diverse And Often Misdiagnosed
- Jennifer sees a range of eating disorder presentations: many with binge-eating symptoms, atypical anorexia, and an increase in ARFID referrals, often intersecting with GLP-1 side effects.
- She notes diagnostic errors occur when clinicians infer disorder type from body size rather than behaviors.
Map A Timeline To Explain How Eating Disorders Develop
- Use a case conceptualization map in CBT to trace origins: external pressure → restriction → bingeing/purging or sustained restriction, clarifying what maintains symptoms.
- Jennifer finds visual timelines reduce blame and help clients connect dieting history to current behaviors.
Start With Behavior Not Thoughts In Eating Disorder Treatment
- Prioritize behavioral change before cognitive restructuring in CBT-E: restore regular, sufficient eating first because nutrition often improves thoughts naturally.
- Jennifer recommends coordinated work with a dietitian to support regular eating and reduce fear around increased intake.
