Part 5 Kalpana & Evie

Last week, we heard from Evie Gardener (PhD candidate) and Kalpana Prasad (dancer & dance teacher) about Fat Joy festival; exploring aspects of body positivity and highlighting weight stigma. As Evie’s research explores in particular weight stigma in public health, we discussed the prevalence of poor outcomes due to misconceptions about fatness as well as discrimination faced by fat people seeking healthcare. Her research explores encouraging positive health behaviours as opposed to interventions that are only oriented toward weight loss. We also talked about access for people in larger bodies in creative spheres with Kalpana, such as dance, representation and inclusion. Access is expansive, and Evie highlighted barriers like costumes that might deter fat people from participating as opposed to any perceived lack of interest or capability