In this compelling episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Dr. Joy Cox to explore the pervasive issue of weight stigma and fatphobia, particularly how it intersects with medicine, race, and gender. Dr. Cox shares her personal journey of living in a larger body and how a pivotal moment during her master's program ignited her passion to study and dismantle weight bias in society.

Dr. Joy Cox is a body justice advocate using her skill set in research and leadership to foster social change through the promotion of body diversity, equity and inclusion. Dr. Cox has utilized the past 10 years to amplify the voices of those most marginalized in society, bringing attention to matters of intersectionality, addressing race, body size, accessibility, and "health." She is also the author of the book, Fat Girls in Black Bodies: Creating Communities of Our Own, which was released in September of 2020. Joy has been featured on several podcasts and media productions, not limited to CNN’s Chasing Life with Sanjay Gupta, the Tavis Smiley Show, and the New York Times.

Key Topics Discussed

  • Dr. Joy Cox’s personal experience: Growing up as the "chubby" sibling and owning her identity in a fat body.
  • The catalyst for her work: A 2011 news segment about the American Medical Association's attempt to classify obesity as a disability, which sparked her academic focus on weight stigma.
  • Historical context: Early fat rights movements and the sparse academic research on fatness free from stigma, especially before the mid-1990s.
  • Everyday weight stigma: From microaggressions like strangers commenting on bodies or removing food from carts, to systemic issues such as the "fat tax" in clothing pricing and lack of accessible seating or accommodations.
  • Healthcare challenges: The difficulty and emotional toll of visiting doctors who often attribute health issues solely to weight, leading to inadequate care and increased patient stress.
  • Social and economic penalties: The financial burden of needing larger clothing sizes, buying two airplane seats, and the lack of inclusive infrastructure.

Strategies for Supporting Body Image

  • Challenge weight stigma and fatphobia: Recognize and actively oppose societal messages that frame larger bodies as inherently unhealthy or undesirable. This includes calling out microaggressions and systemic biases in healthcare, media, and everyday interactions.
  • Promote body acceptance and self-value: Encourage individuals to appreciate what their bodies do rather than focusing solely on appearance or weight. Emphasize honoring and valuing the body you live in, as Dr. Cox highlights the importance of self-acceptance in combating stigma.
  • Create inclusive environments: Advocate for accommodations such as appropriate seating, access to clothing in diverse sizes without inflated costs (fat tax), and respectful healthcare practices that do not automatically attribute health issues to weight.
  • Educate healthcare providers: Increase awareness among medical professionals about the harms of weight bias in clinical settings. Encourage providers to look beyond weight as the sole factor in health concerns and to treat patients with dignity and empathy.
  • Build supportive communities: Foster spaces where people of all body sizes feel welcomed and validated. Sharing stories of resilience and acceptance can empower individuals and reduce feelings of isolation.

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Behind the Bite
  • 00:59 Questioning Societal Messages About Bodies
  • 01:15 Introducing Dr. Joy Cox
  • 02:29 Dr. Joy Cox's Journey into Weight Stigma Research
  • 05:50 Historical Context and Research on Weight Stigma
  • 08:11 Public Advocacy and Personal Experiences
  • 09:55 Daily Challenges and Microaggressions
  • 14:16 Healthcare and Weight Stigma
  • 19:43 Intersectionality: Race, Gender, and Weight Stigma
  • 27:17 Hypocrisy in Medical Treatment
  • 29:01 The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Health
  • 29:59 Debunking the BMI Myth
  • 33:50 The Controversy of Weight Loss Drugs
  • 39:29 Challenging Societal Norms and Stigmas
  • 43:04 The Power of Community and Self-Acceptance
  • 49:32 About the Book: Fat Girls and Black Bodies
  • 52:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
  • 54:39 Podcast Outro and Resources

CONNECT WITH Dr. Joy:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshoutthecocoon/

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Thank you for tuning in to Behind the Bite! If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others who might benefit. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. 

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:**

The content of this podcast episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or affiliated organizations. If you have any medical or mental health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Listener discretion is advised, especially for those sensitive to topics related to body image, weight stigma, and eating disorders.