Kara Pepper, MD

Presentation Title:

“Mast Cell Activation Syndrome – The Key to Unlocking Co-Occurring Eating Disorder Conditions”

Presentation Overview:

Eating disorders are increasingly prevalent, yet the role of underlying conditions like Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) often goes unrecognized. Many individuals with MCAS face significant dietary triggers and food-related fears, which can complicate both diagnosis and recovery. In this session, we’ll explore what MCAS is, why it’s frequently underdiagnosed, and how it disrupts digestion, nutrient absorption, and food relationships. We’ll also dive into the intersection of MCAS and disordered eating—highlighting how mast cell dysregulation can mimic or worsen eating disorder symptoms, and the psychological toll of living with unpredictable food sensitivities. Through real-life clinical examples and practical strategies, you’ll gain tools to help clients manage dietary restrictions while nurturing a healthier relationship with food. This lecture emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, blending medical, psychological, and nutritional insights to better support your clients’ healing.

Learning Objectives:

1. Attendees will be able to describe the pathophysiology of mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), including its impact on digestion, nutrient absorption, and the development of food sensitivities.
2. Attendees will be able to identify the ways in which MCAS can mimic or exacerbate eating disorder symptoms, and analyze case-based examples to differentiate between the two conditions
3. Attendees will be able to develop strategies to manage dietary restrictions in patients with MCAS while supporting a healthy, non-restrictive relationship with food

Speaker Biographies:

Dr. Kara Pepper is a board-certified Internist and Executive Coach in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Pepper cares for all adults over 18 years of age, especially those with eating disorders. Her hybrid in-person and telemedicine practice is centered around patient autonomy, clinical excellence, compassion, and connection. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Pepper provides executive coaching to organizations and individuals, leads retreats, and speaks nationally on topics surrounding clinician wellness. Dr. Pepper is the podcast host of “It’s Not Just You,” stories of survival, humanism, and heroics in medicine.