Explore every episode of the podcast Fat and Fertile
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Should I Take a GLP-1 for My Fertility? | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:31:44 | |
Should I Take a GLP-1 for My Fertility? If you're being told you need to lose weight before you can access fertility treatment, and GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro are part of that conversation, this episode is for you. Because you deserve to make this decision with the full picture, not just the version the pharmaceutical companies want you to hear. In this episode: Why GLP-1s are increasingly being offered to fat folks wanting to get pregnant, and why the logic behind that recommendation is shakier than it's presented as The genuine potential benefits worth knowing about, including for folks with PCOS, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes, and why access to care is a real and valid consideration The risks that often go unmentioned, including nutritional deficiencies, weight regain after stopping, and the absence of long-term human pregnancy safety data Why the research linking weight loss to better fertility outcomes tells a more complicated story, and what it's more likely actually showing Four questions to sit with before making your decision, so that whatever you choose, you're choosing it with your eyes open This is the first in a four-part series on GLP-1s this month. Useful links: Fat Positive Fertility Roadmap Sessions Free download: Fat Person's Guide to Getting Pregnant Follow Nicola on Instagram: @fatpositivefertility Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Healing from Healthcare Trauma While Still Advocating for Your Care | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:36:19 | |
If you've been hurt by the healthcare system while trying to access fertility care, you are not alone, and you are not broken. This episode is for anyone who has experienced harm, dismissal, or humiliation from healthcare providers and is now caught in the incredibly difficult position of needing care from a system that has already hurt them. In this episode, we cover: What healthcare trauma actually looks like, and why so many fat folks experience it without ever naming it that way How your nervous system responds to perceived threats (fight, flight, fawn, and freeze) and why your fear is not self-sabotage The Prepare and Care framework: practical steps to support yourself before and after appointments The difference between advocacy mode and survival mode, and why it matters How to find trauma-informed providers, and what to do when that's not possible Key takeaway: Your fear of being harmed again is a completely rational, protective response. You do not have to be in advocacy mode all the time. Sometimes just getting through the appointment is enough. Resources & Links 🌿 Work with Nicola: Fat Positive Fertility Roadmap 📱 Instagram: @fatpositivefertility 📧 Email: nicola@nicolasalmon.co.uk Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| When "Unexplained Infertility" Actually Has an Explanation: Zoe's Story | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:48:21 | |
Content note: This episode discusses weight loss, weight-based medical discrimination, and fertility challenges. Please take care of yourself as you listen. This week's episode is one that made me both furious and hopeful in equal measure. I sat down with Zoe, who spent years being told to lose weight before she'd be taken seriously about her fertility. After losing nearly four stone and still getting nowhere with UK fertility services, she went to Greece for testing and discovered extensive uterine scarring that would've prevented pregnancy entirely, regardless of her weight. If you've ever been dismissed by doctors who only see your body size, or if you're stuck in "unexplained infertility" territory, this episode is for you. Zoe's story shows why proper investigation matters and what becomes possible when you get the care you actually deserve. In this episode, we cover: - Why "unexplained infertility" often means "we haven't investigated properly" and what testing might be missing - How Zoe discovered extensive uterine scarring that was completely treatable but would never have been found in the UK system - The reality of accessing fertility care abroad and why Greece became the answer when UK services kept saying "lose weight first" - What a hysteroscopy revealed in 10 minutes that years of UK appointments had missed - Why weight loss couldn't have solved the actual problem and what that means for anyone being told their size is the issue Useful Links: Download: Fat Person's Guide to Getting Pregnant Book a Fat Positive Fertility Roadmap Call Email me a question for a future episode Emma Haslam's work helping UK folks access fertility care abroad Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| When Your Doctor Says You Have PCOS But Only Looked at Your Weight | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:27:00 | |
This week's episode tackles a question I hear far too often, and it gets me every single time: "My doctor says I have PCOS but only looked at my weight. What now?" If this is your experience, I want you to know something right away, what happened to you isn't medicine. It's bias dressed up as care, and you deserve so much better.In this episode, we cover: - What the Rotterdam criteria actually are and why they matter - Why weight doesn't cause PCOS (and why that distinction is so important) - Other conditions that might be going on if you haven't been properly tested - Practical ways to advocate for the healthcare you deserve - What to do if you suspect you've been misdiagnosed Useful Links: Download: Fat Person's Guide to Getting Pregnant Book a Fat Positive Fertility Roadmap Call Email me a question for a future episode Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| When Your GP Won't Test Your Fertility Until You Lose Weight | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:27:00 | |
Episode 23: When Your GP Won't Test Your Fertility Until You Lose Weight This week, we're tackling one of the most common issues fat folks face: being denied basic fertility testing until they lose weight. In this episode: - Why it's not your fault when doctors refuse testing based on weight - The basic fertility tests you deserve access to - When to seek testing - Why your sperm-producing partner should get tested first - How to advocate for yourself when doctors say no Key takeaway: You are not broken and you do not need fixing. The healthcare system needs fixing. There are absolutely tests that can and should be done regardless of your body size, and you deserve to have your health needs met. Resources: Book: "Fat and Fertile" - available on Amazon Instagram: @fatpositivefertility Email: nicola@nicolasalmon.co.uk Fat Positive Fertility Roadmaps: personalised 90-minute calls to create your fertility plan Send me your questions for future "In Your Corner" episodes via DM or email! Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| PCOS: Busting Myths and Weight-Neutral Care | 23 Oct 2025 | 00:38:15 | |
In this personal episode, I'm sharing my PCOS journey - from diagnosis at 16 to navigating fertility and finding weight-neutral care approaches. What We Cover: My PCOS story and unexpected fertility journey 3 major PCOS myths that need busting Weight-neutral care advice that doesn't involve weight-loss! Sponsored by Inofolic Alpha Plus - The only PCOS supplement designed for folks with BMI over 25. Use code NICOLAPOD for 10% off. Resources: Book a Fat Positive Fertility Roadmap Session Get the book: Fat and Fertile Have questions about PCOS? Share your story in the Substack comments - I'd love to hear from you! Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| What is Fat Positive Fertility Coaching | 21 May 2025 | 00:17:25 | |
In this episode of Fat and Fertile, I’m diving deep into something I don’t talk about nearly enough—what fat positive fertility coaching actually is, and why it matters so much. I’ve been a fertility coach for over seven years now, and while I often share tools, insights, and resources, I realised I haven’t really broken down how coaching works or what it looks like to be supported in a fat-positive, weight-neutral space. So that’s what this episode is all about. I share how my own experience of being diagnosed with PCOS as a teen—and being told I’d never have children—led me to this work. And I explain how my journey through unlearning diet culture and stepping away from weight loss gave me the clarity and drive to support others doing the same, especially those navigating fertility in bigger bodies. In this episode, I talk about:
I also explain what a fat positive approach really looks like in practice—how I work with you to move from where you are now to where you want to be, using tools that centre your autonomy, your lived experience, and your joy. If you’ve ever felt like you're battling the system just to be seen, heard, or supported—this one’s for you. And if it resonates, I’d love to invite you to book a free 30-minute chat with me. No pressure, no pushy sales pitch—just a space to connect and see if coaching might be the right next step for you. Resources & Links:
Thanks for listening, lovely. You absolutely deserve to feel supported, cared for, and full of hope as you navigate growing your family—exactly as you are. 💛 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Q&A time - Do Pregnancy Tests Work for Fat Folks? | 17 Apr 2025 | 00:12:10 | |
Hi folksHere is our Q&A for April.We talked about pregnancy tests for fat folks. Are they as effective?I'd love to hear your thoughts. Share below in the comments or head over to our Discord server for a chat x References: * Shah, A., Kimball, S., & Beesley, S. et al. (2012). "The relationship between body mass index and quantitative maternal serum human chorionic gonadotropin levels." Fertility and Sterility. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.06.011 * Steiner, A.Z., Long, D.L., et al. (2018). "Effect of Body Mass Index on pregnancy rates in women using intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization." The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/103/11/4209/5076007 * Eskild, A., Fedorcsak, P., Mørkrid, L., & Tanbo, T.G. "Maternal body mass index and serum concentrations of human chorionic gonadotropin in very early pregnancy." Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Finding Fat-Friendly Fertility Clinics: How to Research, Interview, and Choose Your IVF Provider | 10 Apr 2025 | 00:21:27 | |
Episode Summary In this episode of Fat and Fertile, Nicola Salmon dives into the practical—and emotional—realities of finding a fertility clinic that supports fat folks with compassion and without weight stigma. Whether you’re just beginning to explore fertility treatment or feeling frustrated by constant barriers, this episode is packed with actionable tips, thoughtful guidance, and much-needed reassurance. Nicola shares the exciting news of her newly updated Fat-Friendly Fertility Clinic Guide, a powerful resource featuring nearly 150 community-sourced recommendations from fat people who’ve accessed IVF and other fertility treatments. She explains how to use the guide, what to look out for, and why it’s so important to have information upfront—especially when some clinics still impose harmful BMI restrictions or hidden costs. She also walks you through her top tips for researching, interviewing, and choosing a fertility clinic that will treat you with the respect and care you deserve. From asking the right pre-consultation questions to understanding your legal and medical rights around weighing, diet talk, and treatment access, Nicola empowers you to advocate for yourself at every stage. If you’ve ever felt disheartened by fertility clinics, this episode is a must-listen. Nicola reminds us that while fat-positive clinics might feel like unicorns, they do exist—and finding the right one can make all the difference in your journey. Links and Resources🧡 Fat-Friendly Fertility Clinic Guide – Download here 🧡 IVF for Fat Folks Course – Your step-by-step guide to navigating fertility treatment in a bigger body 🧡 The Fat Person’s Guide to Getting Pregnant – Free download 🧡 Fat Fertility Facebook Group – Connect with others navigating this journey 🧡 Reddit r/infertility – A moderated space with weight-inclusive policies 🧡 Join the Fat and Fertile Community on Ko-Fi – Exclusive Q&A episodes, community support, and bonus content Get InvolvedNicola would love to hear from you! If this episode resonates, share your story, ask a question, or leave a review. Your voice matters and could help someone else feel less alone. Support the PodcastIf you're enjoying Fat and Fertile, you can buy Nicola a coffee or share this episode on your favourite social media platform. Every share helps make this information more accessible to the people who need it most. Follow Nicola on Instagram@fatpositivefertility – For fat-positive fertility tips, updates, and behind-the-scenes support. 👉 Explore these resources and take your next step toward growing your family—without shame, without diets, and entirely on your terms. Nicola’s in your corner, cheering you on every step of the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Q&A time - Fertility Supplements for Fat Folks | 31 Mar 2025 | 00:23:26 | |
Hi folksHere is our Q&A for March.1. I discussed supplements for fertility and food.(I also have an episode on my podcast if you want extra info where I may or may not say exactly the same things 🤣 )2. I also shared some ideas about how to navigate family and friends being judgy about getting pregnant in a bigger body.I'd love to hear your thoughts. Share below in the comments Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Q&A time - Fat Positive Sperm Health | 27 Feb 2025 | 00:27:04 | |
I had a great question last month about resources to support a partner with their sperm health so that's what we're talking about today on our first bonus podcast episode! You can also download a resource on sperm health right here with all the recommendations that I talked about in the episode. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about sperm health. Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Your Fertility, Your Way: Exploring IVF Abroad with Emma Haslam | 27 Feb 2025 | 00:32:57 | |
In this episode of Fat and Fertile, I’m joined by the incredible Emma Haslam, founder of Your IVF Abroad and a passionate advocate for fertility choice. Emma shares her deeply personal journey through infertility, the barriers she faced due to BMI restrictions in the UK, and how she ultimately found a path to parenthood abroad. We dive into the realities of navigating fertility treatment as a fat person, the frustration of arbitrary weight-based restrictions, and the emotional toll of being told to lose weight before receiving medical support. Emma opens up about her decision to seek IVF treatment outside the UK, what that experience was like, and how it led her to create Your IVF Abroad—a business dedicated to helping others access safe, transparent, and supportive fertility care without weight stigma. If you’ve ever felt dismissed by the fertility industry, this episode is a must-listen. Emma’s story is one of resilience, empowerment, and challenging the status quo. She’s proof that fertility care should be accessible to all bodies, and she’s on a mission to make sure others have the information and support they need to explore their options. ✅ The challenges of accessing fertility care with a higher BMI ✅ How Emma found an alternative path to IVF treatment abroad ✅ Why weight stigma in fertility care needs to change ✅ Tips for navigating fertility treatment with confidence and choice
🎧 Tune in now and remember: your body is worthy, and your fertility journey should be met with care, respect, and real choices. 💛 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Trapped by the System: When BMI Requirements Create Impossible Barriers to Fertility Care | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:21:58 | |
This week's episode is about something I hear constantly and it makes me genuinely angry. You can't access fertility care until you lose weight. But you can't access support to lose weight. And they won't investigate the health condition that might be causing everything in the first place. Round and round you go. If you're stuck in this loop right now, this one is for you. And the first thing I want you to know is: it is not your fault. In this episode we cover: Why the NHS BMI cutoffs for fertility treatment are arbitrary, not evidence based, and not actually NICE guidelines Why this catch 22 is intentional and how the system has been designed to exclude people in bigger bodies How to advocate for your health conditions separately from your fertility goals, and why this matters Practical steps to document refusals, push back, and escalate if you have the capacity to do so How to take care of your mental and emotional health when you're fighting a system that should be fighting for you Useful Links: Download: Fat Person's Guide to Getting Pregnant Book a Fat Positive Fertility Roadmap Call Email me a question for a future episode Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Top 5 questions | 13 Feb 2025 | 00:28:44 | |
Episode Summary In this episode, I'm answering five of the most common questions I get about fat positive fertility. These questions originally came from a video I recorded for my Ko-Fi Community but they were too good not to share here! Whether you're curious about navigating fertility in a bigger body, looking for evidence-based insights, or just need some reassurance, this episode is for you. And if you have your own questions, come join us in the Ko-Fi Community, where you can ask me directly! The questions:
Links and Resources Get Involved Nicola would love to hear from you! If this episode resonates, share your story, ask a question, or leave a review. Support the Podcast If you’re enjoying Fat and Fertile, please share this episode on social or leave a review! Every share helps make this info more accessible to everyone who needs it. Follow Me on Instagram: Join me here for fat-positive fertility tips, updates, and encouragement. 👉 Explore all these resources here and take your first step toward parenthood without stigma or shame. I’m cheering you on every step of the way! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Fat and Pregnant with Michelle Mayefske | 23 Jan 2025 | 00:47:58 | |
In this episode of Fat and Fertile, I sit down with Michelle, who shares her transformative journey from navigating societal expectations to embracing body positivity. Michelle opens up about the necessity of setting boundaries, particularly in medical scenarios, to safeguard one's well-being. Her insights into finding size-inclusive care and advocating for oneself during fertility treatments are truly empowering. We explore how she shifted from challenging experiences with body image and disordered eating to become an advocate and doula for plus-size individuals, supporting them in having positive pregnancy and birth experiences. I hope her story inspires you to stand firm in your choices and seek supportive healthcare that aligns with your needs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Rediscovering Joy in Fat Positive Fertility - Exciting Plans for 2025 | 09 Jan 2025 | 00:17:28 | |
In this episode of Fat and Fertile, I open up about my journey from 2024 into an exciting 2025, sharing both personal and professional highs and lows. From grappling with neurodivergence and finding support to winning a prestigious fertility advocate award, it's been quite the roller-coaster! I hope this episode reassures you that joy and passion can be rediscovered, even amidst challenges, and inspires you to embrace self-discovery and empowerment on your fertility journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Insights from My First Regular Cycle in 2 Years | 29 May 2024 | 00:18:00 | |
In this podcast episode, I delve into my experience with menstrual cycles and the impact movement has had on my usual (irregular) cycle. I also chat about importance of finding enjoyable and accessible forms of movement, the challenges marginalised bodies face in society, and how consistent self-care can help manage stress and support the nervous system. I hope this episode encourages you to find ways to care for your body and mind in a way that feels good to you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| How to use research to support you in accessing fertility care | 15 Feb 2024 | 00:15:03 | |
Lets look at two ways we can use research to support us in navigating fertility care as a fat person Grab the Fat Fertility Bundle here before Sun 18th Feb 2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Do you need supplements when you want to get pregnant? | 29 Jan 2024 | 00:24:40 | |
In this episode we explore the murky world of fertility supplements and what you need to think about, as a fat person, if you decide to use them to support you in getting pregnant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Tracking your cycles as a fat person | 28 Sep 2023 | 00:23:13 | |
In this episode I'm sharing my experience of tracking my irregular cycles as a fat person and exploring what tools are most useful for cycle tracking. We explore what things you need to be aware of as a fat person so you can track your cycles to support getting pregnant. For more information about Nicola and her work, check out www.nicolasalmon.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Being fat doesn’t cause irregular cycles | 14 Sep 2023 | 00:32:46 | |
In this episode of Fat and Fertile, I'm shedding light on the misconception that being fat causes irregular menstrual cycles. I discuss the importance of proper diagnoses, challenging stereotypes, and emphasize the need for inclusive research and healthcare that goes beyond assumptions about body size. For more information about Nicola and her work, check out www.nicolasalmon.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Why do I use the word Fat? | 13 Jul 2023 | 00:24:49 | |
In this episode of "Fat and Fertile," I share why I use the word FAT in my business and what it means for me both professionally and personally. I also talk about how we can use the power of language to make real change in the way that fat folks are treated and in the fertility industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| What is Fat Positive Fertility? | 06 Jul 2023 | 00:25:14 | |
In this episode of "Fat and Fertile," we explore the concept of fat positive fertility and discuss the importance of moving away from restrictive diets and weight loss, advocating for fertility care without BMI limitations, and creating a nurturing environment for individuals in bigger bodies who want to navigate getting pregnant. For more information about Nicola and her work, check out www.nicolasalmon.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Do I Need to Eat Perfectly to Support My Fertility? | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:22:15 | |
This week's episode is a permission slip. If you've been drowning in fertility diet advice and quietly wondering whether you're doing enough, this one is for you. Spoiler: you probably already are. In this episode we cover: Why "eat enough" is the only nutrition advice that actually matters, and why that's harder to hear than it sounds How the fertility diet industry profits from making us feel like we're always one superfood away from getting pregnant Why your relationship with food matters far more than any specific foods you're eating What the social determinants of health tell us about how little individual food choices actually impact fertility Why the "perfect diet" is rooted in diet culture, capitalism, and colonialism, and what that means for how we think about food Useful Links: Download: Fat Person's Guide to Getting Pregnant Book a Fat Positive Fertility Roadmap Call Email me a question for a future episode Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Finding a Supportive Fat Fertility Community | 14 Jun 2023 | 00:18:48 | |
In this episode of Fat and Fertile, we explore how finding a supportive community can have a positive impact on mental and physical health, especially for folks in bigger bodies who want to get pregnant. I chat about the challenges of finding supportive communities, strategies for finding the right community, and some really great communities that already exist. For more information about Nicola and her work, check out www.nicolasalmon.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| The number 1 reason fat folks find it harder to get pregnant | 30 Mar 2023 | 00:19:29 | |
On this episode of Fat and Fertile, we're going to look at why being unsupported has such a huge impact on fat folks and getting pregnant. I'll share the 4 ways you might be unsupported right now and some ideas to create the support you need. For more information about Nicola and her work, check out www.nicolasalmon.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Myth: Fertility treatment isn’t for fat folks | 14 Dec 2022 | 00:13:29 | |
On this episode of Fat and Fertile, we explore the ideas that fertility treatment is more risky and less effective for fat folks. We dive into where these ideas come from, why they are rooted in anti-fat bias and how you can use the research to advocate for your care. For more information about Nicola and her work, check out www.nicolasalmon.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Myth: You don’t deserve fertility care til you’ve lost weight | 15 Nov 2022 | 00:09:41 | |
On this episode of Fat and Fertile, we explore the myth that you don't deserve fertility care or treatment until you've lost weight. We explore where that belief comes from, what happens when we think that and what we can do instead. For more information about Nicola and her work, check out www.nicolasalmon.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Myth: Dieting and weight loss will fix my fertility | 01 Nov 2022 | 00:18:13 | |
On this episode of Fat and Fertile, we explore the myth that weight loss and dieting will fix fertility. We look at three different assumptions that mean that the idea of dieting as a fertility fix persists and the one piece of advice I give all my clients around food. For more information about Nicola and her work, check out www.nicolasalmon.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| The ”ethical dilemma” of fat fertility | 17 Oct 2022 | 00:22:17 | |
On this episode of Fat and Fertile, I describe the ethical dilemma many fat folks face when they start out on their fertility journey We explore how the belief that it's dangerous for us to get pregnant impacts our daily life and we dive into the research around the ethics of getting pregnant in a bigger body For more information about Nicola and her work, check out www.nicolasalmon.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Welcome to Fat and Fertile | 03 Oct 2022 | 00:22:10 | |
On this episode of Fat and Fertile, come and meet me, Nicola Salmon, the host of the podcast and author of the book "Fat and Fertile" I'll be sharing my journey into fertility care and fat positivity alongside exploring why this work is so essential. For more information about Nicola and her work, check out www.nicolasalmon.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| The Truth About Pregnancy Risks in Larger Bodies | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:27:34 | |
This week's episode tackles one of the most common things I hear from folks who come to work with me: "my doctor told me pregnancy in my body is dangerous." And honestly, it makes me angry. Because what you're being told is very often not the full picture. If you've ever left a fertility appointment feeling more scared than informed, this one is for you. In this episode we cover: - Why the research on BMI and pregnancy risks is more divided than your doctor is letting on, and what that actually means for you - The difference between correlation and causation, and why it matters so much in this conversation - How statistics are routinely exaggerated and used against fat folks to deny or delay fertility care - The real numbers behind gestational diabetes and other pregnancy risks, so you can see the full picture - Practical questions you can ask your provider to push back on fearmongering and get genuinely informed consent Useful Links: Download: Fat Person's Guide to Getting Pregnant Book a Fat Positive Fertility Roadmap Call Email me a question for a future episode Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| How to Find a Fat-Friendly Fertility Clinic | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:12:25 | |
Today's In Your Corner question comes from an Instagram follower asking: "How do I find a fat-friendly fertility clinic? My local clinic won't treat me at my current BMI and made me feel terrible at their open evening. How do I find a clinic that won't shame me? And what questions should I ask before booking to avoid wasting time and money?" If you've had a similar experience of not being able to access the care you need, this episode is for you. You are not at fault. This is the fault of the clinic and the fertility industry for being so fatphobic and biased against fat people. In this episode, we cover: - Where to start looking for fat-friendly clinics (including my clinic recommendation list with over 100 clinics) - How to ask other fat folks for recommendations through local and online communities - Essential questions to ask before giving a clinic any money (and why you need answers in writing) - How to protect yourself emotionally during the search process, including getting your partner involved - Why you absolutely deserve care that respects you and treats your boundaries appropriately Useful Links: Download: Fat Person's Guide to Getting Pregnant Book a Fat Positive Fertility Roadmap Session Email me a question for a future episode Fat-Friendly Fertility Clinic List Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| What You Can Actually Do to Support Your Fertility (That Isn't Dieting) | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:26:10 | |
This is episode four of Fat Fertility 101, and we're getting really practical about what you can actually do to support your fertility that doesn't involve dieting or weight loss. In the last episode, we busted the myth that you need to lose weight to get pregnant. Today I'm sharing evidence-based, weight-neutral approaches that can genuinely support your fertility and overall health. But first, something really important: diets don't work. If this is new information for you, that's okay. Take your time with it. Wherever you are in your relationship with dieting, I see you. In this episode, we cover: - Why diets don't work long term and the reality of intentional weight loss (including medications like Ozempic) - The three main health-promoting behaviors I focus on with folks: sleep and rest, movement, and food - How to reframe movement from punishment to care, and why "are you eating enough?" is the only food rule that matters - Supplements that actually have evidence behind them, including why the folic acid recommendation for fat folks is questionable - Why you shouldn't have to perform health or weight loss to access fertility care Useful Links: Download: Fat Person's Guide to Getting Pregnant Book a Fat Positive Fertility Roadmap Call Email me a question for a future episode Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| The Myths About Fat Fertility Are Complete BS | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:21:21 | |
This is episode three of Fat Fertility 101, and today we're diving into my absolute favourite topic: myth-busting. If you're in a bigger body and want to get pregnant, you've probably heard things like "fat people can't get pregnant" or "you need to lose weight first" or "you'll definitely get gestational diabetes." I'm here to tell you that so much of this is complete bollocks. Today we're going through the most common myths about fat fertility, and I'm sharing what the research actually says. Because you deserve to know the truth, not just what healthcare providers assume based on bias and fatphobia. In this episode, we cover: - Why the myth that "fat people struggle to get pregnant" is rooted in anti-fatness, not evidence, and what's actually true - The research on how long it takes fat folks to conceive (spoiler: it's one to two months longer, and that's about healthcare access, not our bodies) - Why weight loss research is deeply flawed and what actually matters for fertility (hint: it's behaviours, not the number on the scale) - The truth about PCOS, weight, and hormones, and why being fat doesn't cause hormonal issues - What the research really says about pregnancy risks in bigger bodies, including the actual statistics (not the fear-mongering versions) Useful Links: Download: Fat Person's Guide to Getting Pregnant Book a Fat Positive Fertility Roadmap Call Email me a question for a future episode Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Finding Your Fertile Window (Even When Cycles Don't Cooperate) | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:17:07 | |
This is episode two of Fat Fertility 101, and we're getting practical about how to actually find your fertile window. In the last episode, we covered how the menstrual cycle works. Today we're diving into the details of figuring out when your body ovulates so you can time sex or insemination for the best chance of getting pregnant. For folks with irregular cycles (especially those with PCOS), this can feel like stabbing in the dark. So we're going through practical tools to help you figure this out, even if your cycles are all over the place. In this episode, we cover: - How to calculate your fertile window if you have relatively consistent cycles, using your last three cycles to find patterns - What to do when your cycles are completely irregular and tracking feels impossible - Three different ovulation tracking methods (BBT, OPKs, and devices like Mira) with honest pros and cons of each - Why ovulation predictor kits sometimes don't work for folks in bigger bodies and what's actually happening - Why trusting your body's signals matters more than any pee stick reading Useful Links: Download: Fat Person's Guide to Getting Pregnant Book a Fat Positive Fertility Roadmap Call Email me a question for a future episode Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||
| Fat Fertility 101: What They Didn't Teach You About Your Cycle | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:17:07 | |
This is the first episode in a new mini-series I'm calling Fat Fertility 101, where we're going back to basics about fertility, but not the basics you learned in school. We're talking about real, practical information for understanding your body when you live in a bigger body and want to get pregnant. In this episode, we're breaking down the menstrual cycle, and I promise it won't look like those textbook diagrams. Because that "perfect" 28-day cycle with ovulation on day 14? That's actually quite rare, and if your cycle doesn't look like that, nothing is wrong with you. In this episode, we cover: Why the textbook 28-day cycle is a myth and what's actually normal for most folks The two phases of your menstrual cycle and what hormones are doing in each phase How to identify your fertile window (it's only about six days, not the whole month) Signs of ovulation you can start noticing in your own body, from cervical mucus to energy shifts Why the second half of your cycle usually stays consistent even with irregular periods, and how that helps you understand your patterns Useful Links: Download: Fat Person's Guide to Getting Pregnant Book a Fat Positive Fertility Roadmap Call Email me a question for a future episode Get full access to Fat and Fertile at fatpositivefertility.substack.com/subscribe | |||