In this episode of Checking In, we hear from Robert, a listener whose doctor has told him that he should lose weight in order to bring down his high blood pressure. Robert’s loved ones also frequently make hurtful comments about his body size. He wants to know: Is weight loss the best or only option for him? To find out, Carolyn consults with Wendy Lopez and Jessica Jones, registered dietitians, SELF columnists, and hosts of the podcast Food Heaven. Wendy and Jess explain why focusing on weight loss can often do more harm than good. They also discuss alternative approaches such as intuitive eating and health at every size (HAES), as well as tips for navigating fatphobia from healthcare providers and loved ones.

To connect with Wendy Lopez and Jessica Jones, you can follow them @foodheaven, read their columns for SELF here and here, or listen to their podcast, Food Heaven.

SELF also has lots of information about Intuitive Eating, including debunking myths about what intuitive eating can actually do, and a personal essay from someone who’s tried it. 

You can also read work from self-proclaimed “anti-diet dietitian,” Christy Harrison here, or listen to her podcast, Food Psych. 

Lindo Bacon, who Wendy and Jess mention during the podcast, is the author of Health at Every Size, and is an intersectional body liberation advocate. Follow them here.

Writer Aubrey Gordon, who, at the time of this podcast recording, was identified only by her pseudonym Your Fat Friend, writes a column for SELF here. You can follow her @yourfatfriend, read more about why she decided to go public with her name, or check out her book, What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, for support, information, and treatment options, contact the National Eating Disorders Association helpline. For crisis situations, text “NEDA” to 741741 to be connected with a trained volunteer at Crisis Text Line.

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