Today, I have a guest on the show and I'm talking to Jaimie O' Connor.
Jaimie is a Policy PhD student looking at how weight-loss groups (such as Slimming World and Weight Watchers) are regulated, whether that regulation is being adhered to, at least, well enough to prevent harm.
Over three years, she's interviewed ex customers and ex workers, along with people who work for the overseeing regulatory bodies to gather this information in a scoping review.
In this episode today, Jaimie talks about: -
How the slimming group business model is designed for weight loss failure, with all responsibility on the individual, so ensuring a life long bondage to the groups.
How the eating disorder safeguard in the enrolment process is simply a tick box exercise.
The problem of food morality in these groups. How it amplifies diet culture messages and doesn't serve people.
The horror of slimming group testimonials drenched in diet culture, weight stigma and fat phobia.
How slimming groups have repositioned themselves around GLP-1s whilst keeping their members locked in.
And finally - what about regulation of these groups? Is it working? What is anyone doing about it?
I hope that you find it helpful.
You can find Jaimie at 'This Is Why You're Hungry' on Substack https://substack.com/@jaimoraiand Tiktok, where she posts all of the opinionated angry commentary that she's not academically allowed to put into her thesis!
🌐 If you're looking for more support in your recovery journey, you can explore my work here: https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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