In this follow-up episode, Lisa returns to further discuss what was left unsaid — the complicated truths about losing weight and intentional weight loss. Together with Theresa, Lisa explores the messy middle between diet culture’s false promises and anti-diet absolutes. Lisa and Theresa confront how weight loss can bring both relief and complications, revealing a more holistic path toward healing, nuance, and self-trust.

Topics Include:

• The Messy Middle

• Social Stigma and Safety

• Intentional Weight Loss vs. Dieting

• Fierce Self-Compassion

[1:06] Lisa is once again interviewed by Theresa, a member of the 'Out of the Cave' community. Lisa felt that a couple of weeks of reflection revealed two key areas that were left unsaid. She feels nervous but compelled to discuss them for authenticity and to have a more complete conversation. 

[08:24] Lisa opens the discussion on the 'messy' and 'uncomfortable' truth that weight loss can have real benefits. She notes that this is a topic often avoided or resisted by the anti-diet movement, but she feels it's crucial to address the nuance and her own experiences with it. Research and data consistently show that for individuals with conditions like morbid obesity on the BMI chart, weight loss can lead to both physical and emotional benefits, thereby improving their quality of life.

[18:24] Lisa discusses the 'complicated truth,' using her own experience of losing 150 pounds as an example. While she would have reported a higher quality of life at the time, she was also dissociated, starving, and her body was failing which wasn't part of that assessment. Reflecting on a group discussion about Oprah's Ozempic special, she recalls a member criticizing the show for implying life is better if you're not overweight. Lisa's internal conflict was acknowledging that 'sometimes it is' better.

[20:18] Theresa points out the false promises from both extremes: diet culture suggests losing weight will fix all problems, while anti-diet culture suggests that abandoning restriction will do the same. She believes the truth is more complex. Lisa agrees with Theresa, stating the nuanced truth is the 'middle ground.' Diet culture says weight loss solves all problems, anti-diet culture says it solves none, but the reality is that it might solve some problems, which is a significant distinction.

[48:15] Lisa describes her recent experience returning to a weight she hadn't been at for a decade, in a healthy, sustainable way without negative side effects like hair loss or fatigue. Theresa asks Lisa about the difference between dieting and intentional weight loss. Lisa describes dieting as often extreme, one-size-fits-all, and lacks bio-individuality. Lisa explains that intentional weight loss is flexible and accounts for real life. It follows a 'two steps forward, one step back' model, where gaining weight from a vacation is part of the plan, not a failure. This prevents the 'all or nothing' mindset.

[1:06:37] Lisa explains that when you first start something, it's always hard, sloppy, and messy, just like learning to tie your shoes for the first time. But with practice, it will become a habit that doesn't require conscious thought. Lisa discusses how intentional weight loss is not impossible, but it requires "fierce self-compassion" and emotional work as the first step. 

[1:13:37] Lisa and Theresa wrap up the episode by expressing that this new approach, positioned between the typical anti-diet and pro-diet mentalities, is refreshing, different, and 'amazing.' Theresa believes the world may now be ready for this perspective. 

*The views of podcast guests do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Lisa Schlosberg or Out of the Cave, LLC.

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