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    • Dawn Kenner, LCPC
    • E. Hollis Wall, LMHCA
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    • Erica Cadiz
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Ozempic and Eating Disorders: Why GLP-1 Medications Can Be Risky

8/16/2025

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The Rise of GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic (semaglutide), Wegovy, and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are becoming increasingly popular for type 2 diabetes management and weight loss. These medications work by slowing digestion, reducing appetite, and regulating blood sugar.
But while GLP-1s can be life-changing for some, they carry serious risks for individuals with a history of eating disorders.

GLP-1 Medications and Eating Disorders: A Dangerous Combination
For people with anorexia, bulimia, ARFID, or binge eating disorder, medications that alter appetite and weight can worsen symptoms or trigger relapse.

Contraindications to Consider:


  • Appetite Suppression - For someone recovering from anorexia or restrictive eating, the medication can reinforce harmful food avoidance.
  • Rapid Weight Loss -GLP-1s can lead to fast, dramatic weight changes — which may trigger obsessive behaviors or compulsive exercise.
  • Gastrointestinal Side Effects - Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are common. For those with purging behaviors, this overlap can mask warning signs or worsen health risks.
  • Psychological Impact - Weight loss focus can reinforce distorted body image or perfectionism. Even in binge eating disorder, appetite reduction may not address the emotional roots of the condition.
  • Nutritional Deficiencies - When appetite is suppressed, people may not meet basic nutritional needs, compounding the risks already present in eating disorders.


What the Experts Say
Professional organizations like the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) and eating disorder treatment programs caution against prescribing GLP-1s to individuals with active or past eating disorders.
The concern isn’t just about relapse — it’s that GLP-1 medications can mimic or amplify the symptoms of the disorder itself, making recovery much harder.


Safer Alternatives for Eating Disorder Treatment
Instead of focusing on medications that suppress appetite or reduce weight, treatment approaches for eating disorders emphasize:

  • Evidence-based therapies like CBT-E, DBT, ACT, and family-based treatment.
  • Nutritional rehabilitation guided by registered dietitians specializing in eating disorders.
  • Holistic support including medical monitoring, therapy, and, when appropriate, medication that targets anxiety, depression, or OCD tendencies.

Key Takeaway
While Ozempic and other GLP-1s are being widely promoted, they are not safe or appropriate for individuals with eating disorders. The risk of relapse, medical complications, and worsening symptoms outweighs any potential benefit.
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If you or someone you love has an eating disorder and is considering GLP-1 medication, it’s essential to speak with a healthcare provider experienced in both eating disorders and metabolic health.
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Healthy Boundaries: The Key to Stronger Relationships and Emotional Well-Being

8/4/2025

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Why Healthy Boundaries Matter
Boundaries are the invisible lines that define where you end and others begin. They protect your emotional and physical well-being, and they help relationships thrive by fostering mutual respect, clarity, and trust.
Without healthy boundaries, people may feel overwhelmed, resentful, or taken advantage of. On the other hand, clear and compassionate boundaries create relationships where both people can feel safe, respected, and understood.

Signs Your Boundaries Need Attention


You may benefit from strengthening your boundaries if you notice:

  • Saying “yes” when you want to say “no”
  • Feeling resentful or drained in certain relationships
  • Avoiding difficult conversations to keep the peace
  • Feeling responsible for other people’s emotions or choices


These patterns often lead to stress, conflict, or emotional burnout. Therapy can help you identify, communicate, and maintain boundaries that honor your needs.


How Therapy Supports Boundary Setting
At The Kenner Center, we guide individuals and couples in learning how to establish healthy, sustainable boundaries. In therapy, you can learn to:

  1. Recognize your needs and limits without guilt
  2. Communicate boundaries clearly and respectfully
  3. Respond to pushback or boundary violations calmly and effectively
  4. Maintain self-respect and emotional safety in all relationships


For couples, setting boundaries can strengthen trust, reduce conflict, and increase intimacy—allowing both partners to feel safe and valued.


Healthy Boundaries Are Not Walls

It’s important to remember that boundaries are not about shutting people out. They are about creating safe emotional space where connection and respect can grow. In healthy relationships, boundaries benefit both people by balancing independence and closeness.


Take the First Step Toward Healthier Relationships

If you struggle with setting boundaries or find yourself feeling overwhelmed in relationships, therapy can help. At The Kenner Center, we use evidence-based approaches to help you:

  • Build confidence in expressing your needs
  • Protect your emotional well-being
  • Strengthen your relationships through mutual respect


Ready to create healthier boundaries? Contact The Kenner Center today to schedule a session and start building relationships that are grounded in trust, respect, and emotional safety.

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Build Stronger relationships

8/1/2025

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Strong relationships don’t just happen—they are built through intentional effort, emotional connection, and effective communication. Even happy couples experience conflict, but how you handle challenges can make all the difference.
At The Kenner Center, we specialize in relationship therapy and couples counseling informed by the Gottman Method, a research-based approach that helps couples strengthen trust, improve communication, and create lasting love.
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Here are four proven Gottman strategies to help couples reconnect and thrive:

1. Enhance Friendship and Connection

The foundation of a healthy relationship is a strong friendship. Couples who feel like best friends are better equipped to handle life’s stressors together.

How to strengthen your friendship:

  • Spend quality, uninterrupted time together regularly
  • Express appreciation and gratitude for each other’s efforts
  • Continue learning about your partner’s interests, dreams, and goals

When partners maintain a deep friendship, emotional intimacy and trust naturally grow.



2. Communicate Effectively


Poor communication is one of the most common reasons couples seek couples therapy. The Gottman Method teaches clear, compassionate communication that helps partners feel heard and understood.

Tips for effective communication:

  • Use “I” statements instead of blame (e.g., “I feel…” vs. “You always…”)
  • Practice active listening—repeat back or summarize what your partner shares
  • Stay calm and avoid defensive or critical responses


Healthy communication builds connection and prevents small conflicts from turning into big problems.

3. Manage Conflict Constructively
Conflict is a normal part of any relationship, but unresolved or unhealthy conflict can create emotional distance. Learning to handle disagreements constructively is key to long-term relationship health.
Ways to manage conflict constructively:

  • Focus on the issue, not the person
  • Take breaks during heated arguments to cool down
  • Look for compromise and solutions that work for both partners


Relationship therapy can help couples learn these skills, turning moments of tension into opportunities for growth.


4. Build Shared Meaning

Couples thrive when they feel united in their life’s purpose and values. The Gottman Method encourages partners to create shared meaning by connecting on a deeper level.
Ways to build shared meaning:

  • Create rituals of connection, like weekly date nights or family traditions
  • Discuss your long-term goals and how to support each other in achieving them
  • Celebrate shared values and find purpose in life together


Shared meaning creates a sense of unity and helps couples navigate life’s ups and downs as a team.


Relationship Therapy at The Kenner Center

If you and your partner are struggling with communication, conflict, or emotional distance, relationship therapy can help. At The Kenner Center, we guide couples using the Gottman Method to:

  • Improve communication and trust
  • Break negative cycles of conflict
  • Reconnect emotionally and build shared meaning


Are you ready to strengthen your relationship? Reach out to us today at The Kenner Center to schedule a consultation. Together, we can help you build the healthy, fulfilling relationship you deserve.




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    Writing about issues related to psychotherapy, body image, and eating disorders

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  • Home
  • Our Team
    • Dawn Kenner, LCPC
    • E. Hollis Wall, LMHCA
    • Leslie Gonzales, LPC
    • Erica Cadiz
  • Services
    • Eating Disorders
    • Chronic Pain Management
    • Relationship Issues
    • Trauma and Grief
    • Adjustments
    • OCD
  • Locations
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • Insurance and Fees