Is people-pleasing connected to overeating?

Do you find it hard to say no to people... and food?

In this episode of The Food and Body Podcast, therapist Harriet Frew joins me to explore the deep links between people-pleasing, masking, self-abandonment, and emotional eating.

We discuss why trusting your own experience can be so difficult, how people-pleasing overlaps with neurodivergence/ADHD, and how out of control eating can become a "protected space" or escape from constantly putting others first. If you struggle to recognize your own needs, find yourself trapped in cycles of resentment and guilt or find indulging in overeating is your only "you time", this honest conversation offers actionable strategies for building boundaries and finding safety within yourself.

📌 Subscribe to the channel for more honest conversations on finding a peaceful relationship with food, body image, and self-acceptance.

⏱️ Timestamps & Chapters

00:00 — Introduction: People-pleasing & eating disorders

03:30 — Harriet’s story: Bulimia and the need to please

08:15 — Kindness vs. Self-Abandonment

13:40 — The overlap with ADHD, neurodivergence & masking

21:10 — Why binge eating becomes a protected escape

29:45 — The roots of people-pleasing: Culture, family & rejection

37:20 — Practical steps: Moving past "just say no"

45:00 — How relationships change when you set boundaries

🔗 Connect with Us

Connect with Harriet:

• Instagram @theeatingdisordertherapist_
• Podcast: The Eating Disorder Therapist on all major platforms (1.5 million downloads). https://harrietfrew.podbean.com/
• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theeatingdisordertherapist
• Website: theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk

Connect with Becca:

• Instagram: becomingwithbecca_therapist
• Email: becca@beccarobinsonchinntherapy.com
• Website: wwww.beccarobinsonchinntherapy.com (coming soon)

Follow the podcast info:

• Instagram: @thefoodandbody_podcast