Episode 251: How Medical Students for Size Inclusivity Are Breaking the Cycle of Weight-Centric Care (with Jackie Liu from MSSI)

“Weight neutral healthcare will allow people to access healthcare in a non-stigmatized and welcoming way, and will be treated the same as a patient of any body size.”

Have you ever walked into a doctor’s office excited about your progress with intuitive eating, only to leave questioning everything after your doctor brought the conversation back to your weight? You’re not alone. So many of us have experienced that clash between what feels freeing and authentic and a medical system still stuck on the number on the scale.

In this episode, I talk with Jackie Liu (she/they), a third year medical student at Harvard and co-advocacy lead for Medical Students for Size Inclusivity (MSSI). Jackie and MSSI are changing healthcare from the inside out, expanding the number of future doctors delivering care that doesn’t center around weight. Our conversation is all about what weight neutral healthcare actually looks like, and why it matters for your physical and emotional well-being. You’ll hear why being able to call out weight stigma is crucial for releasing self-blame and beginning to trust your body again.

We dig into the power dynamics at play in medical settings, what you can do to advocate for yourself, and how to find more supportive healthcare providers. Whether you dread going to the doctor or want to feel more confident standing up for your needs, this episode will help you question old beliefs about your body and leave guilt and shame behind.

What You’ll Learn:

• How weight neutral healthcare differs from the weight-focused appointments we’re so used to
• Why the healthcare system’s view of bodies isn’t the absolute truth, and why your body is not the problem
• The impact weight stigma and anti-fat bias have on your willingness to seek care (and your self-blame)
• What it actually looks like to walk into a weight neutral appointment, and real-life examples you can use to advocate for yourself
• The shift happening among medical students and healthcare providers who are questioning the status quo

Remember, the care you deserve is out there, and you are not alone in wanting something different for yourself. Thank you for being here and for becoming part of this movement toward weight inclusive health!

Resources:

• MSSI Website
• Association for Weight and Size Inclusive Medicine
• National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA)
• Ragen Chastain’s Substack
• Grab the Hunger & Fullness Scale Guide at DietCultureRebel.com/hungerfullnessscale and take your next step toward building trust with your body and food.
• Connect with me over on Instagram at @diet.culture.rebel.

Struggling with food, but not sure where to start?

You don’t have to feel 100% ready to get support. If you’re tired of obsessing over food or feeling stuck in the diet cycle, my team of Registered Dietitians is here to help. We offer one-on-one nutrition counseling—and we accept insurance! Spots are limited, so head to https://dietculturerebel.com/insurance to see if we’re covered in your state and learn how to get started.