Eating-disorder therapists are getting fed up when patients turn to chatbots for advice.
Women and men are uploading photos of themselves to artificial-intelligence bots, asking for tips on how to lose weight or bulk up on muscle. Some list what they’re eating and ask how they could eat better, sometimes getting dangerous responses about cutting out too much fat and carbs. Others prompt their chatbots to produce ultralow-calorie meal plans or excessive fitness routines.
While advice on diet and exercise could be helpful to some users, it can be harmful to someone with an eating disorder. Trying to countermand the chatbot’s advice takes valuable time and effort away from treatment, therapists say.
It’s getting so bad that some say patients are even challenging them during therapy sessions.
“I’ve had patients hold up their phone and use their mic to ask ChatGPT what was wrong with what I just said,” says Dr. Anne O’Melia, chief clinical and quality officer of the Eating Recovery Center, which provides treatment in several states. “Half my patients are fact-checking me daily.”…Read More
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you can learn more about various care options here. EDRC provides support groups and maintains a list of treatment programs in the Bay Area. You can also support EDRC’s mission further by making a tax deductible donation.
