Food Psych #170: How to Combat Fat Stigma with Cat Pausé
Fat-studies scholar Cat Pausé joins us to discuss why you can’t fight “obesity” and fat stigma at the same time, the effects of stigma on health, how fat studies differs from conventional paradigms, the implications of using the word “fat,” and so much more! Plus, Christy answers a listener question about why elimination diets shouldn’t be the first line of treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Cat Pausé, Ph.D. is a Senior Lecturer in Human Development at Massey University. She is lead editor of Queering Fat Embodiment (2014, Routledge), and coordinated two international conferences - Fat Studies: Reflective Intersections (2012) and Fat Studies: Identity, Agency, Embodiment (2016). Her research is focused on the effects of fat stigma on health and well-being on fat individuals and how fat activists resist the fatpocalypse. Her work has appeared in journals such as Fat Studies, Feminist Review, and Narrative Inquiry in Bioethics, as well as online in the Huffington Post, The Conversation, and in her blog. Her fat positive radio show, Friend of Marilyn, is travelling the world – make sure your city is on the tour! Find her online at about.me/FriendofMarilyn.
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We Discuss:
Cat’s positive relationship with her body as a child, despite a “confused” relationship with food
The fat-positive role models that she had in her life
How pop culture can spread diet culture messaging
What influenced her to become a feminist
Learning about asking for more and getting her needs met
How diet culture teaches women to socialize over dieting
Speaking to our parents and loved ones about our changing relationships with food and bodies
Slipping into younger versions of ourselves when we’re around our parents
How Cat learned about the field of fat studies
The difference between fat studies and conventional paradigms like critical obesity studies or weight studies
Why you can’t fight “obesity” and weight stigma at the same time
The defining characteristics of fat studies
Framing stigma within fat studies versus weight studies/healthcare framework
The implications of using the word “fat”
Why we need to turn our attention to the experiences of people in superfat bodies
Privilege and its role in fat studies work
Why Cat no longer uses the “fat isn’t unhealthy” argument
Fat stigma as a social determinant of health
Our role in the work of fat liberation
Cat’s latest project, Fat Studies MOOOs
Resources Mentioned
Some of the links below are affiliate links. Affiliates or not, we only recommend products and services that align with our values.
Submit your questions for a chance to have them answered on the podcast!
My online course, Intuitive Eating Fundamentals, which includes monthly listener Q&A podcasts and access to my private Facebook support group
The Diet Myth by Paul Campos
Michael Gard’s work (TW: o word)
Paul Ernsberger’s work
Deborah Lupton’s work
Angela Meadows’ work (TW: o word)
Chris Crandall’s work
Cat’s Fat Studies MOOO
Cat’s about.me page, blog, Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram
This episode is brought to you by LinkedIn, where a new hire is made every 10 seconds. Go to linkedin.com/foodpsych to get $50 off your first job post.
Save money with Paribus! Paribus monitors online retailers to make sure that you get the best price, and will even help you get compensated if your shipment arrives late. Head to GetParibus.com to sign up.
This episode is also brought to you by TomboyX. Visit tomboyx.com/foodpsych and check out their special bundles and pack pricing. Food Psych listeners will also get an extra 15% off with the code FOODPSYCH!
Listener Question of the Week
Can you incorporate an elimination diet along with intuitive eating concepts in people with IBS? What is the link between disordered eating, mental health concerns, and gastrointestinal (GI) issues? What is the “nocebo” effect, and what is its role in GI concerns? What is the science behind certain diets for IBS? What are some other ways to manage IBS without going on an elimination diet?
(Resources Mentioned: Psychological features are important predictors of functional gastrointestinal disorders in patients with eating disorders, Disordered eating practices in gastrointestinal disorders, Alan Levinovitz’s Food Psych® Podcast episode)