The Great Weight Myth: Why BMI is Broken and What Real Health Looks Like

from Soma Says · host Soma Mandal, MD

Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos In this episode, Dr. Soma hosts Paula Atkinson, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist, who specializes in body liberation and anti-diet approaches. Paula discusses the harmful societal views on body size, the history of fat phobia, and the flawed nature of BMI as a health metric. She shares insights on disordered eating and emphasizes the importance of focusing on actual health markers rather than weight. Paula also highlights the need for medical professionals to approach weight discussions with sensitivity and to consider a more holistic view of health. Tune in to learn more about the intersection of body image, societal expectations, and mental health. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Introduction to Body Image Issues 00:23 – Meet Paula Atkinson: Body Liberation Expert 03:17 – Paula's Personal Journey with Body Image 09:27 – The Problem with BMI 14:44 – Challenging Diet Culture and Body Norms 17:57 – Practical Tips for Body Acceptance 22:37 – Addressing Medical Fat Shaming 29:30 – Empowering Women Through Body Liberation 35:01 – Conclusion and Where to Find More 🔗 Connect with Paula D. Atkinson Website: https://www.pauladatkinson.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauladatkinson/ 🔔 Follow & Subscribe: 🎧 Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Soma Says on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review—it helps others find the show! 📩 Have a Question for Dr. Soma? Send your questions to [email protected], and they might be featured in a future episode!

What this episode covers

Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos In this episode, Dr. Soma hosts Paula Atkinson, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist, who specializes in body liberation and anti-diet approaches. Paula discusses the harmful societal views on body size, the history of fat phobia, and the flawed nature of BMI as a health metric. She shares insights on disordered eating and emphasizes the importance of focusing on actual health markers rather than weight. Paula also highlights the need for medical professionals to approach weight discussions with sensitivity and to consider a more holistic view of health. Tune in to learn more about the intersection of body image, societal expectations, and mental health. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Introduction to Body Image Issues00:23 – Meet Paula Atkinson: Body Liberation Expert03:17 – Paula's Personal Journey with Body Image09:27 – The Problem with BMI14:44 – Challenging Diet Culture and Body Norms17:57 – Practical Tips for Body Acceptance22:37 – Addressing Medical Fat Shaming29:30 – Empowering Women Through Body Liberation35:01 – Conclusion and Where to Find More 🔗 Connect with Paula D. Atkinson Website: https://www.pauladatkinson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauladatkinson/ 🔔 Follow & Subscribe:🎧 Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Soma Says on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review—it helps others find the show! 📩 Have a Question for Dr. Soma?Send your questions to [email protected], and they might be featured in a future episode!

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The Great Weight Myth: Why BMI is Broken and What Real Health Looks Like

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This episode was published on April 10, 2025.

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