It’s almost impossible to receive medical care, especially fertility or pregnancy care, without hearing all about weight. And polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that impacts both weight and fertility. However, the science on weight and fertility, like with health in general, is tricky and usually not as it appears. Higher body weight is frequently described as a “cause” of infertility, but this claim deserves a lot, and I mean a LOT, of scrutiny, as the research base supporting these claims is highly problematic. The reality is that fat women have been having babies throughout human history and women of any weight can struggle with fertility, miscarriage, or health issues.

Clients are always asking me in body image therapy for resources to help improve the way they feel about and treat their bodies. Most people, regardless of size or shape, struggle with their body image, and no wonder. Anti-fat bias is the root of body dissatisfaction and shame and, unfortunately, it is the air we all breathe. In other words, the problem is not with individuals’ body image - the problem is widespread harmful anti-fat bias that incorrectly teaches us all to view fatness as the worst thing you can be. People are hungry (no pun intended) for any kind of resource to aid them on their journey to live more peacefully with their bodies.