#106: PCOS Without Shame: A Non-Diet & Trauma-Informed Approach with Kimmie Singh, RD

The Full Plate Podcast with Abbie Attwood, MS

This week I am so thrilled to be joined by Kimmie Singh, RD to discuss PCOS: what it is, common misconceptions, why medical providers are so confused about it, its relationship to disordered eating, how to take a weight-inclusive and trauma-informed approach, and more.

We also get into the nuances of weight and health in general around diagnosis and treatment, trusting your body and intuition, and navigating weight-centric recommendations for managing symptoms.

Beyond just PCOS, we talk about grief, particularly expected and anticipated grief.

I hope you get as much out of this episode as I did, even if you don't have a PCOS diagnosis. I hope it will allow you to bring more compassion and empathy to those in your life who may have PCOS, or may receive a diagnosis in the future. I really appreciate Kimmie’s vulnerability and honesty in this episode, and I deeply enjoyed talking to her.

We discuss...

• The vulnerability and overwhelm that can happen in our college years that gives rise to disordered eating

• Weight cycling and dieting and the harm done to our health

• Fat-positive recovery from disordered eating and the importance of mental health support

• How PCOS symptoms can impact body image and our relationship with food

• How PCOS and disordered eating can co-occur, and how PCOS can lead to a higher risk of eating disorders

• Should you cut back on carbs with PCOS?

• What about weight-loss and PCOS?

• The fatphobia and weight-stigma that is baked into standard recommendations for managing PCOS

• Navigating medical providers that recommend food restriction to manage PCOS

• The shame around using medication to manage symptoms

• The health impacts of PCOS that can't be seen on the surface

• Trusting your body and intuition when it comes to your own health

• Kimmie's PCOS-focused courses and resources for providers

About Kimmie:

Kimmie Singh is a self-proclaimed fat Registered Dietitian based in New York City. She is the owner of Body Honor Nutrition, a nutrition private practice that supports individuals to heal their relationships with food and body. Kimmie supports her clients with a fat-positive and anti-oppressive framework and has a special passion for working with people that have polycystic ovarian syndrome. Kimmie is also a sought-after speaker and has presented at several national conferences. She presents on the effects of anti-fat stigma in healthcare and nutrition. Kimmie is a believer in kindness, compassion, and the power of advocacy. Learn more about Kimmie at www.bodyhonornutrition.com.

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Transcripts: If you’re looking for transcripts, you can find those on my website, www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/podcast

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Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy

Podcast Editing by Brian Walters

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