By Ivory Loh (MPH, RDN, CD, cPT)

As an Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Registered Dietitian and nutrition therapist specializing in eating disorders, my professional journey is deeply intertwined with my personal experiences. Growing up, mental health was not a topic readily discussed in my family. There wasn't much space or vocabulary to navigate the complexities of disordered eating. Hence, I was able to hide my disordered behaviors behind “healthy eating” and “being disciplined” - labels that got me praise from both family and peers to the culture at large. It took me years to recognize my own struggles and to understand that I could ask for support. 

Food has always been a cornerstone of my identity. As a Third Culture Kid (TCK), it was through food that I stayed connected with my cultural roots. While my accent or mannerisms might have set me apart, sharing meals with loved ones allowed me to participate fully. The act of preparing and sharing food was also a way to express love, whether it was my mom cutting fruit for me every night or my dad bringing home various snacks from his business travels.

However, my relationship with food was also influenced by societal expectations, especially within East Asian culture. Despite the celebration of food, there were clear standards of beauty and body image. Body commentary was normalized, with labels like "the thin one" or "the fat one" readily assigned by family members. It was ingrained in me at a young age that appearance (often thinness) mattered, reflecting not just on myself but also on my family.

Navigating the eating disorder field in the US as an AAPI professional has been both challenging and empowering. In predominantly white-centric spaces (mental health and dietetics), I often felt like an outsider. At the same time, speaking about my work can also feel isolating when I’m back in East Asia. Eating disorders is a nascent field in East Asia and often still seen as a “Western” condition or by-product, despite the rise in prevalence in many Asian countries. Nonetheless, I see my AAPI identity as an invaluable strength in my work, allowing me to connect deeply with clients who share similar cultural backgrounds. Understanding the nuances of individuals’ relationship with food and their bodies, I aim to provide culturally-inclusive care that acknowledges the multiplicity of identities clients hold. 

Through my work, I strive to elevate the roles of food beyond mere nutrition. Food is intertwined with relationships, memories, rituals, and cultural identity. By embracing this holistic approach, I hope to empower individuals, especially people of color, to feel seen and heard in their struggles with disordered eating and/or body image. My passion lies in creating spaces where folks can ask for and receive culturally-sensitive support, where “health” is uniquely defined by and with the individual, and the journey of caring for and being in our bodies is rooted in curiosity and compassion. 

As an eating disorder dietitian and nutrition therapist, I continually reflect on and nurture a positive relationship with food – one that is rooted in body respect, pleasure, and self-compassion. This ongoing commitment not only sustains my own well-being, but also enables me to better support my clients in their own journeys toward healing and body trust. My experiences as an API healthcare professional demonstrate the importance of embracing our identities to drive positive change. In sharing my story, I hope to encourage discussions about mental health within my community. By addressing the silence and stigma surrounding eating disorders and mental health within diverse communities, we can promote healing and understanding for all. 

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About Ivory (she/her/她)

Ivory is a Health-at-Every-Size Registered Dietitian, though most of her clients call her their “food or nutrition therapist.” She currently lives in Seattle, WA. Culturally, she is Southeast Asian and was born in a small city in Malaysia called Kuching (Fun Fact: Kuching means “cat city” in Malay). As a dietitian and personal trainer, Ivory is passionate about supporting folks in developing a nourishing relationship with food, movement, and their bodies that is rooted in body trust, compassion, and pleasure. Her specialties in nutrition care include eating disorders and disordered eating recovery and chronic disease management from a weight-inclusive lens. Ivory works with clients virtually and at the outpatient level in her private practice. 

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