Breaking the Cycle: Body Shaming, Restrictive Dieting, and Depression
Join Dr. Cheryl for candid talks on body shaming, restrictive diets and their impact on mental health. Find wellness, happiness, and self-acceptance in a lifestyle that brings you health and happiness and reaches your healthy body weight.
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Show notes
Welcome to The Wellness Table, hosted by Dr. Cheryl Bothwell. Join us for candid conversations about body shaming, restrictive dieting, and their profound impact on mental health, particularly depression. In this episode, Dr. Cheryl explores the heart-wrenching story of Adriana Theisen, a health and fitness influencer who dies at the age of 49 after sharing her 100 pound weight loss journey with her millions of followers and how she struggled with addiction and depression. Dr. Cheryl highlights the story of Selena Gomez and how she pushed back on body shaming after opening up about her health journey. We delve into societal pressures, body image, and the critical need for self-acceptance and empathy. Discover how to lead a healthier, happier life and reach your healthy weight goals without succumbing to the pitfalls of restrictive diets and feeling deprived or judged. Join us on this journey to wellness, one delicious bite at a time.
Dr. Cheryl invites listeners to explore her website for free resources on health and wellness and her Dr. Cheryl+ membership for affordable nutrition & lifestyle digital program and deeper support and guidance from Dr. Cheryl and a judgement-free wellness community.
Show Notes:
- Introduction (0:00 - 2:22)
- Dr. Cheryl welcomes listeners and introduces the podcast's focus on body shaming, restrictive eating, and their connections to depression.
- She shares the tragic story of Adriana Thyssen to set the stage for the episode's discussion on restrictive dieting & depression.
- She shares the story of Selena Gomez who pushes back on being body shamed for her weight gain after dealing with serious personal health issues.
- Understanding the Weight Loss Journey (2:22 - 4:42)
- Dr. Cheryl dives into the societal pressures and judgments faced by individuals grappling with obesity.
- She examines the motivations behind weight loss efforts and the pursuit of acceptance and love.
- Mention of societal reactions to Selena Gomez's weight gain post-kidney transplant.
- The Pitfalls of Restrictive Dieting (4:42 - 9:19)
- Dr. Cheryl highlights the common cycle of yo-yo dieting and the emotional toll of extreme, restrictive diets.
- She introduces intuitive eating as an alternative approach and discusses the harm of depriving oneself of beloved foods.
- The conversation explores the connection between restrictive diets, deprivation, and depression.
- Balancing Health and Happiness (9:19 - 11:47)
- Dr. Cheryl emphasizes the need to harmonize health and happiness in one's wellness journey. Health and happiness go hand in hand.
- She encourages listeners to focus on overall well-being rather than fixating on weight loss.
- Dr. Cheryl introduces her program, Dr. Cheryl+, as a wholistic and balanced wellness solution to reach a healthy body weight and achieve your health goals.
- Financial and Emotional Challenges (11:47 - 16:27)
- Dr. Cheryl addresses the financial hurdles that can hinder access to nutrition therapy.
- She shares a poignant personal story about her daughter's weight struggles and the impact of societal comments.
- The importance of supporting individuals with hormonal imbalances is underscored.
- The Role of Food Combinations (16:27 - 21:08)
- Dr. Cheryl explains the significance of strategic food combinations to curb hunger.
- She stresses the importance of fiber, protein, and healthy fats in achieving satiety.
- Dr. Cheryl introduces the concept of the "Dr. Cheryl plate" for balanced and satisfying meals.
- Acceptance, Self-Love, and Happy Eating (21:08 - 25:54)
- Dr. Cheryl advocates for self-acceptance and self-love, especially in the face of body shaming.
- She urges listeners to prioritize both physical and emotional health as a combined goal.
- Dr. Cheryl invites everyone to embrace their unique genetic blueprint and focus on living a healthy lifestyle.
- She encourages exploration of her website for free resources and her Dr. Cheryl+ membership and digital program for comprehensive support.
- Conclusion (25:54 - End)
- Dr. Cheryl concludes the episode, reiterating the importance of self-love and empathy, both towards oneself and others.
- She extends an invitation to join her next week for another episode of The Wellness Table.
