What if your “weight problem” was never actually about weight?In today’s 1:1 episode, Derek gets radically honest about the connection between diet culture, shame, trauma, and survival coping—and how food became both comfort and armor long before he had words for what happened to him.We talk about the part nobody wants to say out loud:how under-eating/starvation can feel like “discipline”… while quietly wrecking your brain, energy, and bodyhow body dysmorphia isn’t about the mirror—it’s about the voice in your headwhy the scale can be “the same number” and your self-talk can swing from pride to disgust in secondsand what it looks like to stop chasing skinny and finally choose health first (even when it feels like war)Derek shares his last two years of intense burnout, panic, and rebuilding… plus the moment that changed everything: a choice between “busy living or busy dying,” and the promise he made to his inner child to create a safe life—one real step at a time.If you’ve ever felt trapped in the cycle of restriction → binge → shame → repeat, this conversation will feel like someone finally turned on the lights.Content note: This episode includes discussion of childhood sexual abuse, disordered eating, body shame/dysmorphia, panic symptoms, and suicidal ideation references (not graphic, but direct).Follow Derek’s journey (IG): @derekamcclureListen to the Jensen episode mentioned here for more context, then come back to this one for the full story.You can reach us here:Katie Kovaleski: Website: KatieKovaleski.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/coach_katiek/Work with me: Book your 20 minute connection call here: Let's ConnectWavier & Release of Liability and Disclaimer: The information provided by the therapist(s) is not intended, nor is implied to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice.  The listener is advised to always seek the  advice of their health care practitioner or other qualified health care provider with questions regarding medical conditions, or the mental health and welfare of the listener. I (listener) accept that Kathryn Kovaleski is not liable for any injury, or damages, to person or property, resulting from listening to this podcast.