#189: "But Isn't Being Fat Bad for Your Health?"...Unpacking Weight Science with Ragen Chastain (Best of)

In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Ragen Chastain — researcher, writer, speaker, and thought leader in weight science and weight stigma.

Together, we unpack one of the biggest myths upholding diet culture and anti-fat bias: “Isn’t being fat bad for your health?”

We’ve all heard it: fatness automatically equals poor health. It’s treated like an unquestionable fact, reinforced by headlines, medical guidelines, and cultural narratives. But is it really true? And what does the research actually say about weight and health outcomes?

We explore the origins of the so-called “obesity epidemic,” the flaws in research connecting weight and health, and how stigma, medical education, and the weight-loss industry continue to shape public perception. Along the way, Ragen shares her personal story, her experience in dance and sports culture, and how she navigates a world obsessed with size and shape.

About Ragen:

Ragen Chastain is a speaker, writer, researcher, Board Certified Patient Advocate, multi-certified health and fitness professional, and thought leader in weight science, weight stigma, and health. She is the author of Fat: The Owner’s Manual, editor of The Politics of Size, the author of the Weight and Healthcare newsletter, and co-author of the HAES Health Sheets. She’s also a national dance champion, triathlete, marathoner, and Guinness World Record holder for Heaviest Woman to Complete a Marathon.

Support the Show:

Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Substack for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe

Group program:

Looking for more support and concrete steps to take to heal your relationship with food and your body? Apply for Abbie's next 10-week group program: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/group-coaching

Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership, which meets every other week: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group

Social media:

Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcast

Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness

Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy

Podcast Administrative Support by Alexis Glaubach

Podcast Editing by Brian Walters

This podcast is ad-free and support comes from our Patrons on Patreon: Patreon.com/fullplate