Who Is Glennon Doyle? Author Opens Up About Anorexia Diagnosis

Trigger warning – Eating disorder

Author Glennon Doyle has come forward and told her audience about an eating disorder she is battling currently. Doyle is no stranger to struggling with an eating disorder. Decades ago, she was diagnosed with bulimia – a disorder characterized by an urge to eat large amounts of food at one time and then get rid of it.

Doyle hosts a podcast – alongside wife, former soccer star Abby Wambach, and sister, Amanda Doyle -- called "We Can Do Hard Things." Doyle told listeners she was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa in the latest episode, Today reported. "There is no way that I can explain to you the level of bafflement, shock, denial, confusion," Doyle told her listeners.

Who is Glennon Doyle?

Glennon Doyle is a New York Times bestselling author. Her book "Untamed" was named the number-one bestseller. The book was also recommended by Reese's Book Club and sold over two million copies worldwide. Her book "Love Warrior" too featured at the top of NYT bestsellers. The book was Oprah's Book Club pick when it was released. She also penned "Carry on, Warrior." Again, an NYT bestseller.

She launched her podcast in May 2021. She is also the founder and president of Together Rising – an all-women-led nonprofit organization which raises donations to help women, families and children in crisis. According to the organization's website, it has helped build a maternal health wing in Port-au-Prince, establishing the first opioid recovery home for pregnant teens in New Hampshire, among other things.

"Together Rising identifies what is breaking the hearts of our givers as they look around their world and their community, and then we connect our givers' generosity with the people and organizations who are effectively addressing that critical need," the organization's website stated, adding, "Since 2012, Together Rising has raised over $45 million dollars, with a most frequent donation of $25."

Coming back to Doyle's diagnosis, the author said she had relapsed in her bulimia journey and wanted to learn "how to get these relapses of my bulimia under control so I can be less scared and freer and not in danger," People reported. However, her evaluation concluded she actually had anorexia.

Doyle had difficulty coming to terms with her diagnosis. Her struggle with bulimia was partly responsible for the same. "Anorexia is a totally different thing," she said, adding, "It's like a different religion. It's a different identity. It's a different threat. It's a different way of thinking. It's so confusing, and it shook me very deeply. And I did not believe it. I was like, 'That's just wrong.'"

On being told she was anorexic, Doyle said, "I do not think I am anorexic. I know anorexic people. I've seen what anorexia looks like. I don't feel like I look anorexic. And the doctor said, 'That is a very anorexic reaction to have.'"