Understanding Eating Disorders – GUEST LECTURE at the Kulturfabrik Moabit

The Moabit Cultural Center invited me to give my first public lecture on normal weight on November 16, 2025 – and even that sentence still feels surreal. Of course I was nervous, but it was that wonderful, vibrant nervousness that shows: Something important is happening!

Nevertheless, one question haunted me for days: Will anyone even come? The thought of ending up speaking to just one person honestly bothered me the most. So I decided: No matter how many people come, I'll take it as it comes. If 100 come – wonderful. If only 1 comes – just as wonderful! Start small, let it grow.

Around 4:30 p.m., the first visitors began to arrive. Louis Peter Meier, representative of the TWA (the lecture was presented by the T. Willibald Adorno Foundation ), and Martin Pohlmann opened the evening.

It was my turn at around 5:15 pm. And what can I say? Everything went perfectly.
The technology, my presentation, the audience – everything was perfect. There were about 15 people there in total, including 5 friends whose support means the world to me. Feeling that you're not alone on stage, but supported by people who believe in you – that's empowering.

After the presentation, there was a short but very valuable Q&A session. Afterwards, I had the opportunity to talk with some of the audience members. One conversation in particular moved me:
One person told me that they had read about normal weight and that it helped them better understand a family member who was affected. Then they said:
"It would be nice to also hear the perspective of the social environment."

This sentence struck me to the core and inspired me at the same time. Because yes – eating disorders don't just affect the sufferers themselves. They deeply impact families, friendships, and relationships. Those around them suffer along with them, often silently and overwhelmed. Giving their voices a platform is just as important. And so, in that moment, a new idea was born: Another book? A discussion format? Perhaps even both? I don't yet know exactly where it will lead – but I know that this impulse will stay with me.

After the official part, we relaxed and wound down the evening: having a drink, a bit of billiards, and casual conversation. Just what we needed to find our way back to a lighter mood after such a serious topic.

All in all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening! I'm exhausted – but in the best possible way. And I fell into bed with a huge smile on my face.

Watch the video for further insights.

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This is what it was about:
Understanding Eating Disorders – Book presentation with open discussion 📚🎤
I spoke about the book's content, its origins, and the motivation behind it. I also discussed current topics such as competitive pressure among those affected, the role of social media, and how family members can better support those affected.

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I am grateful for this experience – for the open questions, the honest conversations, and the interest of the audience. And I look forward to everything that may come of it.

If you are interested in a presentation, please feel free to contact me via the contact form or by email: info.johannaelsen@web.de