Beyond the Scale: Comments on Women's History, the Weight Loss Industry, and Changing Body Ideals

Unrealistic body ideals and weight stigma affect all women in our culture, but this hasn't always been the case. How did we get here? What can we do about it? Dr. Nancy Ellis-Ordway, a licensed clinical social worker, will address topics including the origin of the Body Mass Index (BMI), how thinness became associated with "purity" and worthiness, how beauty ideals often intentionally disempower women, and how the quest for weight loss grew from a small, informal group pursuit to a multi-billion dollar annual industry. She will consider the myths about weight loss and health and suggest ways to re-evaluate our beliefs and behaviors.

Dr. Ellis-Ordway is the author of Thrive at Any Weight: Eating to Nourish Body, Soul, and Self-Esteem and co-editor of books on weight bias through the decades and in health education.