Between Bites with Jillian Lampert: Mental Health Awareness Month

Between Bites with Jillian Lampert: Mental Health Awareness Month

From Peace Meal by The Emily Program

May 15, 2026 · 12 min

About this episode

Dr. Jillian Lampert discusses the mental health aspects of eating disorders and the importance of understanding them as mental health conditions.

Episode description: Many people are surprised to learn that eating disorders are mental health conditions. Media coverage tends to focus on the visible markers of these illnesses—weight changes, what someone eats or doesn't eat—and stops there. In this episode, Dr. Lampert breaks down the thoughts, feelings, and neurobiology beneath those physical and behavioral components, and why understanding eating disorders as a mental health condition matters for advocacy, recognition, and getting more people connected to care. We cover: How eating disorders affect both mental health and physical health Why eating disorders require specialized treatment and support Why medication approaches differ for eating disorders How to show up for someone who's struggling with their mental health About Dr. Jillian Lampert: Dr. Lampert (she/her), PhD, MPH, RD, LD, FAED, is the Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs for The Emily Program. She completed her doctorate degree in Nutrition and Epidemiology and Master of Public Health degree in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of Vermont and completed her…

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Jillian Lampert

Topics covered

  • eating disorders
  • mental health
  • advocacy
  • treatment
  • support

Keywords

  • eating disorders
  • mental health
  • treatment
  • support
  • advocacy
  • neurobiology

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Emily Program

Places: University of Minnesota, University of Vermont

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