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Prepare yourself for an enlightening exploration as we traverse the complex intersections of weight stigma, obesity, and the pharmaceutical industry with our distinguished guest, Dr. Patty Thille, an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Manitoba.  Dr. Thille shares her unique insights into the insidious presence of weight stigma in healthcare, offering a fascinating narrative that spans from her formative years in women's studies to her current research at the crossroads of healthcare and social sciences.

We shine a light on the far-reaching implications of weight stigma in influential sectors such as healthcare, education, and legal systems. Uncover the disturbing realities of how this stigma can result in status loss, discrimination, and, at times, misdiagnoses within healthcare.

We discuss medicalization and pharmaceuticalization of weight,  examine the historical perception of weight as a social problem, and dissect the rhetoric surrounding the modern 'obesity epidemic'. This paradigm shift has cleared the way for pharmaceuticals to position themselves as the magic bullet for weight issues. As we navigate this complex landscape, we reflect on the potential repercussions of this pharmaceutical-centric approach.

In the last leg of our journey, we discuss Canadian and Australian obesity strategies, highlighting their shortcomings in addressing social factors while overemphasizing lifestyle changes. The role of financial conflicts of interest between pharmaceutical companies and medical professionals in shaping obesity guidelines is another area we delve into. Our conversations extend to the marketing strategies of weight loss drugs and their potential implications on public health. Prepare to have your perceptions challenged and your understanding deepened, as we unravel the intricate tapestry of weight stigma and obesity in healthcare with Dr. Patty Thille. Join us in this thought-provoking episode.

Undisciplinary - a podcast that talks across the boundaries of history, ethics, and the politics of health.
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