How Do We Heal the Wounds of Obesity Stigma! Talking with Dr Robyn Pashby

Laraine Durham sits down with clinical health psychologist Dr. Robyn Pashby for an emotional and important conversation about the part of weight loss that changing the number on the scale may not heal. Recorded at the Obesity Action Coalition’s Your Weight Matters National Convention in Orlando, Florida, the conversation explores the difference between the disease of obesity and the shame, stigma and internalized weight bias that many people carry for decades. Dr. Pashby explains why losing weight, including with GLP-1s, does not automatically erase the emotional damage created by years of judgment, blame and self-criticism. Obesity and internalized weight bias are different conditions, and each requires its own attention and treatment. As Dr. Pashby says, “We have to stop letting shame be the author.” Laraine also shares her experience wearing a two-piece bathing suit for the first time since childhood and how creating new, sometimes uncomfortable experiences can help people begin writing a different story about their bodies and their lives. The interview also covers finding joy in movement, changing the meaning attached to exercise, taking small steps toward healing and finding affordable mental health support from professionals who understand obesity and weight-related stigma. The Obesity Action Coalition is a national nonprofit organization focused on education, advocacy, support, access to evidence-based obesity care and eliminating weight bias and discrimination. Learn more about the OAC and its programs at: https://www.obesityaction.org/ Learn more about Dr. Robyn Pashby and Health Psychology Partners at: https://www.healthpsychologypartners.... This conversation is for education and personal discussion only. Dr. Pashby is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. Anyone needing support with obesity treatment or mental health should begin by speaking with a qualified healthcare professional. Subscribe to The Downsized for honest conversations, patient experiences, clinical research and the latest news about GLP-1s, obesity treatment and life after weight loss. 00:00 How Do We Heal the Wounds of Obesity Stigma! Talking with Dr Robyn Pashby 00:58 Meet Dr Pashby 02:29 Obesity Versus Shame 04:18 Retelling Your Story 06:02 Small Steps Forward 07:00 Healing Takes Reps 08:37 Treat Bias Like Health 12:20 Two Piece Breakthrough 13:35 Discomfort Builds Freedom 14:34 Create New Meaning 14:44 Exercise as Self Care 15:30 Joy of Movement 16:54 Rewriting Shame Stories 18:21 Mental Health Matters 19:54 Finding Affordable Therapy 21:26 Directories and Best Fit 22:35 Conference Wrap and Lexi