Food Junkies Podcast Episode 222: Dr. David Wiss - Food Addiction or Eating Disorder? Rethinking the Divide
In this powerful and deeply nuanced episode, Dr. Vera Tarman and Molly Painschab welcome back Dr. David Wiss to explore one of the most important—and often misunderstood—topics in the field: the intersection of food addiction and eating disorders.
With his unique background in both nutrition and public health, Dr. Wiss walks us through the historical divide between the food addiction and eating disorder communities, the philosophical and clinical tensions between rigidity and flexibility, and how trauma, ACEs, and access to food complicate both diagnosis and treatment.
Whether you're a clinician confused about how to distinguish between binge eating, bulimia, and food addiction, or someone in recovery navigating your own lived experience, this episode is a must-listen.
👥 Topics Covered:
Is it an eating disorder, food addiction—or both?
Historical roots of the FA vs. ED divide
Why rigidity is seen as both the problem and the solution
The role of trauma, ACEs, and structural inequality
How clinicians can use timelines and clinical intuition in treatment
Why a continuum model offers more inclusive care
Ethical considerations in individualized vs. cookie-cutter treatment
The Wise Mind Nutrition app is a middle-ground tool for healing
💬 Key Quotes:
"Everyone has a different neuropsychiatric profile… There isn't a manual that's going to work for all people." – Dr. David Wiss "We're not just dealing with food. We're dealing with trauma, access, systems, and stories." – Molly Painschab "Both food addiction and eating disorders have valid truths—and both need a seat at the table." – Dr. Vera Tarman
🧠 About Our Guest: Dr. David Wiss Dr. David Wiss is a registered dietitian nutritionist and mental health researcher who has worked with more than 1,000 patients over the past 12 years. He is the founder of Nutrition in Recovery, and a global leader in the field of nutrition for addiction recovery and disordered eating.
Dr. Wiss holds a PhD in public health from UCLA, and his work bridges the gap between neurological, psychological, behavioral, and nutritional sciences. He has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed papers, contributed six book chapters, and continues to challenge outdated approaches to mental health and nutrition.
Dr. Wiss is also the creator of the Wise Mind Nutrition app—an innovative platform that provides education, food logging, reflection tools, and clinician interaction for individuals working on their mental wellness through nutrition.
He is passionate about social justice, the gut-brain connection, and empowering people to heal themselves through informed, compassionate, and personalized care.
📍 Learn more: https://wisemindnutrition.com
📲 Resources Mentioned:
Wise Mind Nutrition App
From Evolution to Revolution: Food Addiction in Context (Frontiers in Psychiatry)
The D-FANG Model: Disordered Eating and Food Addiction Nutrition Guide
"Separating the Signal from the Noise" – David Wiss's trauma-informed research
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The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.