326. Weight Stigma and Body Image with Sarah Pegrum

The topic of weight and body image is more prevalent in today's society than ever before. Every day we are bombarded with messages that convey the thin ideal and encourage us to strive for certain body types. Sadly, what is often overlooked is the harmful impact of these societal expectations, especially on people who don't fit the narrow definition of beauty. Our guest for this episode is Dr. Sarah Pegrum, a clinical psychologist, ACT peer-reviewed trainer, and author of the groundbreaking book "Break the Binds of Weight Stigma." Sarah provides an insightful perspective into the role of weight stigma and anti-fat bias in our culture, as well as how the wellness and health industries perpetuate these prejudices for their own gain. We discuss how this, in turn, leads to shame and consequent unhealthy behaviors and underline the importance of analyzing the "obesity epidemic" narrative more critically, as it is often more complex than it is often portrayed. Tune in for this empowering conversation on breaking free from body image struggles using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and start embracing life to the fullest!

Listen and Learn: 

• Sarah’s experience putting this book out into the world and her fears of being a voice on the topic of weight stigma and body image 
• How weight stigma manifests itself in the media and everyday conversation
• Weight stigma and the negative impact it has on mental and physical health
• How does the sense of belonging and fitting in pertain to weight stigma?
• How our personal learning history may contribute to issues surrounding body image
• How we get into patterns of avoidance and control and how that can be problematic
• The emotional impact of weight stigma
• How important is it to feel positive about your own body to have a healthier relationship with it?
• How to apply the acceptance part of acceptance and commitment therapy when we aren't feeling so positive about our bodies
• Sarah’s words of wisdom for people consumed by thoughts of body criticism
• What needs to change at the cultural level in terms of weight stigma and discrimination?

Resources: 

• Sarah’s website
• Order your copy of Sarah’s book, Break the Binds of Weight Stigma: Free Yourself from Body Image Struggles Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

 

Related Episodes: 

• 68. Body Image and Eating Disorders with Emily Sandoz
• 151. Intuitive Eating with Evelyn Tribole
• 129. Yoga for All and Body Kindness with Jennifer Webb 
• 231. Eating Skills and Emotional Eating with Josh Hillis
• 264. Raising Intuitive Eaters with Sumner Brooks and Amee Severson 

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