How Fat Became Something to Fear

In this episode, I explore where our fear of fat actually comes from and why so many women feel at war with their bodies, even when they’re healthy, active, and doing “all the right things.” This isn’t a conversation about extremes or promoting obesity. It’s about understanding internalised fatphobia, how society has taught us to attach meaning, morality, and worth to body fat, and why that fear so often drives shame, panic, restriction, and disordered eating.We talk about how fat is medically misunderstood, how fear is reinforced through healthcare, media, and diet culture, and how early messages around food and bodies shape our relationship with eating for life. I share personal experiences, stories of women I love, and why acting from fear almost always backfires, while calm, informed care allows bodies to settle where they’re meant to be.This episode is for anyone who has ever panicked over weight gain, felt judged for their body, or wondered why “just being healthy” feels so hard. My hope is that it brings understanding, compassion, and relief, and helps you separate real health from fear-driven pressure.