Dr. Cristina Castagnini hosts Behind the Bite, a podcast focusing on the struggles and triumphs related to food, body, and weight. In this episode, she interviews Julia Lévy-Ndejuru, a dietitian and PhD candidate from Montreal, Canada. Julia shares her journey from a preoccupation with weight to advocating for a weight-inclusive approach to health. The discussion covers the pitfalls of diet culture, the importance of intuitive eating, and the broader determinants of health beyond weight. They also explore the nuances of nutrition, exercise, and how societal pressures impact our relationship with food and body image.

Julia Lévy-Ndejuru is a dietitian, PhD candidate, and author from Montreal, Canada. She has spent the past several years advocating for a weight-inclusive approach to health and nutrition. Her work spans various sectors, including media, clinical practice, and academia. Julia's research interests include approaches that help develop a healthy relationship with food. In October 2023, she and her colleague Marilou Morin-Laferrière co-authored the book Au-delà de la grossophobie: redéfinir son bien-être et habiter son corps. This work is a resource for anyone wishing to better understand and mend their relationship with their body and food. Julia also co-owns Pratique Inclusive, a company that offers training on the weight-inclusive approach to health professionals.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Julia's Background and Journey
  • Initial focus on psychology before pursuing nutrition
  • Personal struggle with disordered eating
Discovery of Health at Every Size and weight-inclusive approachesDiet Culture and Its Impact
  • Prevalence of calorie counting and weight-loss focus
  • Shift from obvious dieting to "wellness culture"
  • Pushback against anti-diet messaging
Exercise and Body Image
  • Decoupling exercise from weight loss
  • Benefits of movement beyond calorie burning
  • Personal experiences with over-exercising and recovery
Determinants of Health Beyond Weight
  • Access to healthcare
  • Food security
  • Experience of stigma and discrimination
  • Genetics and environmental factors
Fat Phobia and Weight Stigma
  • Impact on seeking medical care
  • Intersectionality with other forms of discrimination
Julia's Work and Resources
  • Co-authored French book: "Au delà de la grossophobie, redéfinir son bien être et habiter son corps"
  • Co-founded Pratique Inclusive, offering training on weight-inclusive approaches
  • Upcoming English-language cohort for practitioners
Shifting the Conversation Around Health
  • Moving away from individual responsibility model
  • Critiquing BMI as a health metric
  • Importance of addressing systemic factors

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THE EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Welcome to Behind the Bite
  • 00:58 Introducing Julia Lévy-Ndejuru
  • 02:41 Julia's Journey to Nutrition
  • 05:02 Discovering a Weight-Inclusive Approach
  • 07:35 The Importance of Eating Pleasure
  • 13:42 Challenges of Diet Culture
  • 15:49 The Role of Influencers and Misinformation
  • 17:56 Beyond Nutrition Facts
  • 21:38 Exercise and Mental Health
  • 27:09 The Impact of Weight Stigma
  • 38:14 Julia's Book and Continuing Education
  • 43:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

HOW TO CONNECT WITH JULIA TO LEARN MORE:

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

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Until next time, remember, we're here to break down barriers, challenge stigma, and support each other on the path to a better life.

Part of the Los Angeles Tribune Podcast Network, produced by the Tweaky Tales.

**Disclaimer:**

This podcast is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. It is given with the understanding that neither the host, the publisher, nor the guests are rendering legal, clinical, or other professional information. If you want or need a professional, you should find one to work with who can address your individual needs and situation.