Unveiling the Hidden Long-Term Impacts of Eating Disorders in Midlife with Dr Jessica Murphy

The Full of Beans Podcast

In this week’s episode of Full of Beans, Hannah is joined by Jessica Murphy, a writer, yoga practitioner, and university lecturer, who shares her story of living with anorexia and bulimia for nearly 30 years.

From teenage onset to navigating adult eating disorders, Jessica reflects on the long-term impact of disordered eating, her recovery journey, and what it means to reclaim joy, connection, and identity.

This week, we discuss:

• How eating disorders often go unnoticed in adults and why “looking healthy” doesn’t mean being well.
• The impact of long-term behaviours, relapses, and the internal struggle that continues even in a “recovered” body.
• Why Jessica doesn’t use the word “recovered” and how recovery is a daily choice, not a destination.
• The things we miss when engrossed in an eating disorder and the impact it has on those around us.
• Navigating delayed puberty, body changes, and reclaiming her identity as a woman in later life.
• Why “one day at a time” matters, and how building new coping tools is key to healing.

Timestamps:

⏱️ 03:15 – The onset of anorexia and bulimia during Jessica's teens

⏱️ 07:50 – Adult eating disorders & invisibility

⏱️ 14:10 – Living with bulimia and anorexia for decades

⏱️ 22:45 – What recovery looks like for Jessica Recovery isn’t linear

⏱️ 26:20 – Grief and impact of an eating disorder on friendships, opportunities, and milestones

⏱️ 30:30 – Discovering womanhood after an ED

⏱️ 36:00 – Advice for long-term recovery

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses eating disorder behaviours, hospitalisation, and suicidal ideation. Please listen with care.

Resources: First Steps ED

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