207 - The Truth About Trauma and Weight
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Dr. Michelle Tubman unpacks the increasingly popular belief that all larger bodies are the result of trauma. Drawing from her experience as a physician, coach, and someone who lives in a larger body herself, Michelle explores the origins of this narrative, how it harms those in bigger bodies, and why it's not supported by the full scope of science—or lived experience. She breaks down the nuances of the ACEs study, how trauma (including intergenerational trauma) can impact weight, and why the assumption that fatness is always a symptom of unprocessed trauma is both reductive and damaging. You’ll walk away with clarity, compassion, and a reminder that healing is not measured on a scale.
This week on Thrive Beyond Size, Michelle dives into a growing narrative in the trauma-informed wellness world: that if you heal your trauma, you’ll lose weight.
While well-meaning, this belief is not only overly simplistic—it’s harmful.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why trauma can influence weight—but doesn’t always
- What the ACEs study really tells us about trauma and health outcomes
- How intergenerational trauma may shape body size
- Why assuming fatness is always trauma-based reinforces stigma, not healing
- The truth about emotional eating (hint: we all do it!)
- How simply living in a larger body in a fatphobic world can itself be traumatic
- Why searching for trauma to “explain” your body can backfire and deepen shame
And most importantly: you can be deeply healed and still live in a larger body
Michelle reminds us:
“Your body is not your failure. It’s not your fault. And it’s not unfinished business.”
If this episode gave you something to think about—or a little relief—please share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Want to continue the conversation? Email Michelle at michelle@wayzahealth.com
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🌐 Website: www.wayzahealth.com
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