Who is this book for?
Are you a dietitian looking to enhance your knowledge of eating disorders? Perhaps you’re a health professional keen to understand the medical complications of these conditions. Or maybe you’re simply someone with an interest in compassionate, evidence-based care. If so, Sick Enough by Dr Jennifer Gaudiani is a book worth exploring.
This book is written by someone who truly gets it. Dr Gaudiani combines years of expertise with a compassionate tone, making it both informative and relatable. While it’s aimed at professionals, it doesn’t overwhelm you with jargon, meaning it’s accessible even if you’re relatively new to the field.
One thing to note is that the case studies are very American in context. For UK dietitians, some of the healthcare system nuances might not translate perfectly. However, don’t let that put you off—the principles are universally applicable, and with a bit of adaptation and supervision, you can easily apply them in your own practice.
Focus on Nutrition
Let’s talk about the area we’re probably most interested in: its focus on nutrition. Dr Gaudiani does an excellent job of breaking down how eating disorders impact the body, weaving medical details together with practical advice. The chapters are divided by different presentations, making it easy to look up information when you’re working with a specific client.
That said, I couldn’t help but notice something missing. Unlike other books in this space, Sick Enough doesn’t have a dedicated section focusing on specific body systems. For instance, if you’re trying to piece together how an eating disorder affects the cardiovascular system, you might find yourself flicking between sections to connect the dots. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth bearing in mind, especially if you’re still working on reaching a diagnosis.
For example, one of my favourite topics—eating disorders and gastrointestinal conditions—is addressed in a chapter called IBS and Associated Conditions. It covers topics like SIBO, probiotics, and the pelvic floor. However, to fully understand how the gastrointestinal system is affected across different eating disorder presentations, you really need to have read other chapters as well. Without doing so, it’s easy to miss some key insights.
What I appreciated most was the balanced approach. It’s not all about the medical and scientific aspects. The book also takes into account the person behind the disorder, showing how we can work with them in a way that provides meaningful, compassionate support.
How to Use This Book
Here’s something funny: I’ve read Sick Enough more times than I can count, but never from front to back. I’ve always dipped in and out, using it more as a reference guide when I needed specific information.
This time, I decided to read it in order—and it was a game changer. It gave me a fresh perspective on the book’s flow and structure. That said, I feel the section on weight stigma should have been placed right at the beginning. Why? Because before we even start diving into the technical aspects of treatment, we must address our own biases. Internalised weight stigma is something we all need to confront as professionals, and opening the book with this topic would set the tone perfectly.
That being said, the book is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re skimming chapters to answer a specific question or reading it cover to cover, it’s packed with useful insights and practical advice.
Final Thoughts
Let’s cut to the chase: Sick Enough is an absolute must-read if you work in eating disorder care. It’s compassionate, evidence-based, and filled with practical advice. The case studies bring the content to life, though they lean heavily on the American healthcare system—which can feel a little disconnected for us in the UK. Nevertheless, the principles are sound, and it’s easy to adapt them to our context.
Dr Gaudiani’s approach is a breath of fresh air in a field that can often feel rigid. She reminds us to see the person, not just the diagnosis. If you’re a dietitian—or any healthcare professional—looking to deepen your understanding of eating disorders and provide truly patient-centred care, this book is for you.
Let me know your thoughts!
Reference - Gaudiani, J.L., 2018. Sick enough: A guide to the medical complications of eating disorders. Routledge.
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