Thriving Despite our Fat-Phobic World with Ragen Chastain EP13

Embracing Movement on Our Own Terms

In a recent enlightening discussion with hosts Nina Manolson and Jennie Kramer, guest Ragen

Chastain shares her experience with the often-complex relationship with movement. This conversation sheds light on how societal pressures and diet culture have influenced our views on exercise and body movement.

The Influence of Diet Culture on Movement

Ragen highlights the profound impact of diet culture on our perception of exercise. From a young age, we are taught to view movement as a preventative measure or punishment for weight gain, rather than a source of joy and well-being. She explains:

“Diet culture starts so early... If from two years old you learn that movement is

prevention of or punishment for being fat, there's no way to develop any kind

of authentic relationship with fitness or movement"

Shifting Perspectives on Movement

Both Nina and Ragen emphasize the need to redefine our approach to movement. Instead of

viewing it as a duty or punishment, they advocate for finding activities that genuinely bring pleasure and enhance our lives. Nina recounts an interaction with a client who was surprised by the idea that choosing enjoyable activities was an option to consider. Ragen adds that

movement doesn’t need to be extensive or painful to be beneficial. Even small amounts of activity can have positive health effects, dispelling the myth that more intense exercise is always better.

Health at Every Size and Medical Advocacy

Ragen’s journey towards advocating for Health at Every Size (HAES) was driven by her

realization that long-term weight loss is rarely sustainable and often harmful. She stresses that health should not be seen as a moral obligation or a measure of worthiness, but as a personal and individualized goal.

 

 The conversation also touched on the importance of systemic change in healthcare to

accommodate all body sizes. Ragen points out the structural weight stigma in medical settings and stresses the need for inclusive healthcare practices. This shows up in all sorts of other parts of life as well. Jennie highlights this happens when we fly and the unkind way that things like smaller seats and seat-belt extenders impact us. Ragen explains how she handles that and highlights her privilege and shares why she chooses to be an advocate for herself and others.

What can you do?

• Remember that movement should be enjoyable and tailored to individual preferences.

• Diet culture’s influence on exercise can be harmful and needs to be challenged.

• Health at Every Size promotes a weight-neutral approach to well-being.

• Systemic change is needed in healthcare to address structural weight stigma.

·        

Be an advocate for yourself, ask for the support you need from your healthcare

practitioner.

Resources:

Connect with Ragan

Instagram

Newsletter – Weight and Healthcare

Monthly Workshops and Articles

Health Sheet Library

⁠Connect with Nina and Jennie⁠

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