In this week's episode, Han is joined by Sophie Temple. Sophie is a final-year Doctoral Researcher specialising in eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image (including body dissatisfaction and body appreciation) during the menopausal transition. My research focuses on how menopausal quality of life impacts these factors, utilising both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

We discuss:

• Sophie PhD research on body image, disordered eating, and menopause.
• The surprising gap in eating disorder research in midlife.
• How menopause impacts women’s confidence, identity at work and hormones.
• Body dissatisfaction, weight gain and the role of HRT and diet culture.
• How to develop stronger body appreciation through movement and community.
• Navigating menopause as a chance to reclaim autonomy and joy.
• The impact of growing up with diet culture in previous generations.
• Sophie's vision for more accessible, positive menopause support.
• How self-awareness, connection, and authenticity can buffer difficult transitions.

Timestamps:

⏱️ [03:20] Exploring Why Menopause is Under-Researched

⏱️ [06:00] The impact of hormones, hot flushes & workplace stigma

⏱️ [09:00] The link between hormones and disordered eating

⏱️ [12:00] The role of hormones in body shape change

⏱️ [14:45] The impact of diet culture and fear of weight gain in menopause

⏱️ [19:00] The benefits of body appreciation in menopause

⏱️ [23:40] The power of redefining your identity during menopause

⏱️ [26:00] The development of body image perspectives between generations

⏱️ [33:10] Advice for women approaching menopause

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses disordered eating, body image dissatisfaction and menopausal symptoms.

Resources: First Steps ED

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