Are you ready to break down the myths about body size, health, and fitness culture? In this episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, host Darlene Marshall dives deep with OG friend of the pod, Rich Fahmy—public health PhD candidate and content manager at NASM—to explore fat bias, weight stigma, and their impact on public health.

✔️ What Is Fat Bias?

✔️ How Does Weight Stigma Affect Everyone—NOT just those in larger bodies?

✔️ Why are fitness professionals, doctors, and policymakers still relying on outdated, flawed BMI metrics?

✔️ What does the evidence actually say about health at different body sizes?

✔️ The “Obesity Paradox”: Are heavier bodies sometimes more resilient in illness and older age?

You’ll get:

· Definitions and real-world examples of fatphobia and bias in healthcare.

· Jaw-dropping evidence about how medical professionals’ bias leads to misdiagnosis, underdiagnosis—and even worsens health outcomes for everyone.

· Eye-opening facts about metabolically healthy adults in larger bodies.

· Insights into why shaming, weight cycling, and groupthink cause more harm than good.

· A fresh perspective on why embracing a weight-neutral, evidence-based approach in fitness and wellness is the future.

If you’re a coach, trainer, wellness pro—or just want to understand public health and body acceptance—this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew.

✨ Featuring actionable tips, honest stories, and resources to help you support ALL clients, regardless of size.

If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community!

The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM.

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Encore Presentation: Fat Bias & Public Health