Episode 17: Looksmaxxing, Social Media & Eating Disorders: What We're Missing with Jessica Setnick, MS, RD, CEDS-C (Part 2)

**Looksmaxxing, Social Media & Eating Disorders: What We're Missing with Jessica Setnick, MS, RD, CEDS-C (Part 2)** What happens when social media turns appearance into a full-time job? From "looksmaxxing" trends to constant comparison online, today's digital culture is changing the way we think about body image—and making it even harder to recognize the early signs of eating disorders. In Part 2 of our conversation with registered dietitian and eating disorder expert Jessica Setnick, Laura Cipullo and Shannon Herbert explore how social media shapes body image across the lifespan, why looks-focused content can increase eating disorder risk, and what healthcare providers, parents, and individuals need to know to identify eating disorders before they become chronic. Jessica also shares practical strategies for having better conversations about food and body image, explains why screening questions matter, and discusses the critical role registered dietitians play in eating disorder prevention and recovery. The trio also discusses Four Hungers framework, offering a compassionate approach to understanding why we eat beyond physical hunger. In this episode, you'll learn: • What the "looksmaxxing" trend is • How social media influences body image and eating disorder risk • Why eating disorders are frequently missed in healthcare settings • Essential screening questions every healthcare provider should ask • How the Four Hungers framework helps people reconnect with their bodies and eating patterns by giving individuals a vocabulary to describe their experience • The role of registered dietitians in eating disorder treatment and recovery • Practical ways to foster body respect in a culture obsessed with appearance Whether you're a healthcare professional, parent, educator, or someone working toward a healthier relationship with food and your body, this episode provides practical, evidence-based insights for recognizing eating disorders earlier and navigating today's appearance-focused culture with greater awareness. **About Jessica Setnick, RD** Jessica Setnick is a registered dietitian and internationally recognized eating disorder expert dedicated to improving eating disorder identification, treatment, and recovery through education, advocacy, and compassionate care. You can learn more about Jessica's work at her website, https://www.jessicasetnick.com/ **Topics:** eating disorders, body image, looksmaxxing, slowmaxxing, social media and mental health, eating disorder screening, registered dietitian, body acceptance, Four Hungers, intuitive eating, healthcare providers, nutrition, recovery. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a rating and review, and share it with a friend, family member, or healthcare provider who could benefit from it. Your support helps more people discover the show. Find us on social media @eatkaleandcupcakes