98 - Unveiling Weight Stigma in Healthcare: A Quest for Fat Liberation and Equitable Treatment with Guest Ragen Chastain

2024-02-16

Send us a textHave you ever wondered about the hidden biases in healthcare that affect those of higher weights? Prepare to have your eyes opened by Ragan Chastain, a dynamic keynote speaker who joins us to unpack the prevalence of weight stigma and its deep-seated roots in racism and anti-blackness. Our conversation is a primer for Ragan's much-anticipated keynote at the upcoming Eating Disorder Conference, where she'll dive deeper into cultivating a healthcare environment free from bias and discrimination. We discuss...

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered about the hidden biases in healthcare that affect those of higher weights? Prepare to have your eyes opened by Ragan Chastain, a dynamic keynote speaker who joins us to unpack the prevalence of weight stigma and its deep-seated roots in racism and anti-blackness. Our conversation is a primer for Ragan's much-anticipated keynote at the upcoming Eating Disorder Conference, where she'll dive deeper into cultivating a healthcare environment free from bias and discrimination. We discuss the urgent need for education in the healthcare sector and provide a list of essential readings to arm yourself with knowledge on this critical issue.

The weight loss industry's influence on our perceptions of health comes under the microscope as we chat with Ragan. We scrutinize the troubling ethics of profit-driven research and the promotion of drug dependency for weight management, drawing parallels with Big Pharma's notorious past. Our investigation doesn't stop there; we also dissect how the industry's narratives and marketing tactics have shaped public opinion, often placing undue blame on individuals for weight regain, and the physiological responses that complicate weight loss efforts. This episode will leave you questioning the status quo and considering the ethical ramifications of a profit-over-people approach.

Wrapping up our enlightening dialogue, we reflect upon the complex relationship between weight, health, and societal attitudes. We share haunting stories like that of Ellen Maud Bennett, illustrating the fatal consequences of medical neglect due to weight stigma. The mental health ramifications of new medical interventions are also in the spotlight, as we emphasize the importance of comprehensive education for healthcare professionals.

Join us for this deep dive into weight stigma and our collective journey toward fat liberation and equitable healthcare.

Mentioned on the show:

Eating Disorder Awareness Week Provider Conference and Community Workshop. March 1st & 2nd. More info here

Sabrina Strings "Fearing the Black Body"
Deshawn Harrison "The Belly of the Beast"

Where to find Ragen Chastain

Website Dances With Fat
Instagram