In this episode, I talk with Dan Feldman (@powerlifterdietitian), a friend and fellow dietitian who does an excellent job of presenting research on controversial topics! A Registered Dietitian with a master's degree in human nutrition, Dan is also a personal trainer, competitive powerlifter and has his own telehealth practice. He is also a nutrition and health researcher for examine.com. Dan answers some questions I often get asked by clients: What is the relationship between weight and health? How do we know what body fat amount is healthy for us? If I have a “healthy” BMI, shouldn’t I stay there and not let myself gain weight? In this episode, we also discuss: Intuitive eating Disordered eating recovery and weight gain Health at every size, a weight neutral approach Weight bias in the medical community and what to do about it The role that social media has on our body image Genetic differences and the FTO (the obesity gene) gene AND SO MUCH MORE! Key Takeaways:  BMI research is mixed, is nuanced and the thresholds are arbitrary and individualized. You can improve your health markers at any weight and without losing weight. Weight is not everything!  When being at a certain weight or body fat level causes quality of life to decrease or affects your relationship with food, or if it causes you to miss your period, take a close look at the risk vs. reward ratio. Weight loss does not necessarily = good. Losing weight is not necessary if you are already at a healthy place. Make sure to follow Dan @powerlifterdieititan for all things related to nutrition research and content! If you're experiencing binge eating, food anxiety, or missed periods, you can work 1:1 with me here to take the next step in your recovery. Apply here If you have questions about this podcast or if you are a good fit to work with me, send me a DM on IG! Resources for this episode: BMI and mortality risk: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27146380/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27423262/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23280227/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30082166/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24452240/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29188887/ Fitness improves health at any body size: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29981352/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24438729/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28793990/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19366909/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19744231/ Intentional weight loss reducing mortality in those with obesity vs “healthy weights” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19555520/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25794148/