CEL Story Feature: Characterizing Disordered Eating and Weight-Related Health Consequences During Early Recovery from Substance Use Disorders
Name: Nima Shariatzadeh
Class: Long School of Medicine, Class of 2027
CEL Project: Characterizing disordered eating behaviors and weight-related health consequences during early recovery from substance abuse disorder.
Partnering Organizations: Alpha Home, a women’s residential addiction treatment program in San Antonio, TX. Treatment is available regardless of ability to pay. Alpha Home is also the site of the Usatine Wellness Center, a UT Health San Antonio affiliated student run clinic providing free care to the women of Alpha Home.
Interview with Nima Shariatzadeh
What was the motivation for this project?
Working in the addiction field before medical school, I noticed how often people in early recovery struggle with food and body changes. Many report substituting their addiction to drugs with food and binge eating, or in some cases they do the opposite and pathologically restrict their intake as a means of feeling control in an otherwise uncontrollable situation. The weight gain can be distressing and can even increase desire to use, especially in women who are quitting stimulants. We hope to use this data to allow women everywhere to live their recovery to their fullest potential, with a better relationship to food and body.
As you led/participated in this project, what surprised you most?
Many of the women have been so eager to participate and share their stories with this issue. We still haven’t had a single eligible participant choose not to participate even though we are unable to give any financial incentive. I think when a topic is relevant to people’s lives, they naturally want to participate.
How has the project impacted you professionally and/or personally?
This project has been the most professionally impactful thing I have done in medical school. Figuring out how to put a protocol together that simultaneously answers the research question, gets IRB approval, and can be followed by our participants has taught me so much about the ethics and logistics of human research. Having a working protocol and preliminary data to show has also created new opportunities for collaboration with others and the growth of this project. I jumped into this feeling a bit overwhelmed, but that struggle has come with immense growth, and I am so happy I did it.
What are we hearing from community partners?
These projects are a fantastic way to learn more about how every piece of research works such as regulatory approval, funding, data collection, etc. while also being able to do something tangible for the populations who need it most. It is truly a win-win. I encourage anyone who has a research question to start a project or get involved with ongoing projects.