Chiseled Ep 82 Running Over Anorexia - Katie Kiliszewski

Chiseled with Rob Commodari

Katie Kiliszewski spent nearly half of her life battling an eating disorder that threatened to take everything from her. At a young age, she began obsessing over her weight, counting calories, and running. She was only 14 when she was diagnosed with anorexia.
"I was so young when the eating disorder started, I didn't know what I was doing. It seemed like I was being healthy," she said. "I didn't know it then, but I know it now. I was in a lot of pain."
In high school, Katie turned to alcohol to cope with the obsessive behavior. The cycle made for many dangerous situations, which led to hospitalizations and in-patient counseling on and off through her late 20s.
Katie beat the eating disorder after hitting rock bottom and discovering that the "whys" in her life had become more powerful.
"Every time I felt like I was getting ready to lose more and more and more. That's kind of how the (recovery) started," she said.
On this week's episode of Chiseled, Katie shares her "comeback story," which includes a family that never gave up on her, a marriage to her best friend, two children, and running with renewed purpose.
Katie recently ran an ultramarathon to raise money for a nonprofit she volunteers with that helps girls and young women overcome eating disorders. A future in public speaking is on the horizon.
"I have the power to change someone's life so I guess my message would be if you have a story, share it," she said.
Katie's story is not just gripping and emotional, it is also personal to me. She is the daughter of a good friend of mine and I am so happy how her story turned out. I am also proud of Katie and thrilled to see her turn her challenges into a calling.
If you would like to talk to Katie about her experience or if you have questions about a young person struggling with an eating disorder, reach out to Katie by messaging her on her Instagram profile, @katiekili.
I hope you enjoy this week's podcast.