Fat-Positive Fertility
Does fat cause infertility? Not according to feminist and fat positive fertility coach Nicola Salmon! She explains why it’s time to break down stigmas around weight and fertility
Many of us have been there – we head to the docs for some minor ailment, and are told it would be fixed if we ‘lost some weight’. But for someone trying to conceive, medical care is even more loaded with judgement. Nicola Salmon, fat fertility coach, wants to change this – and send out the message that “weight-related infertility is not a thing”. We asked her to give it to us straight.
So tell us the truth – what impact does weight actually have on fertility?
The truth is that we don't know. There is a lot of evidence that shows that having a higher BMI increases the time it takes to conceive (by a mere 2-3 months), and that once you are pregnant, you are at an increased risk of developing complications. But research is done by people, and people are inherently biased, especially when it comes to the assumption that fat = unhealthy.
What limitations are there to research?
None of it takes into account the experiences of fat people. A large number of fat folks have a history of yo-yo dieting, which has been shown to impact metabolism and increase chronic inflammation. Fat folks also regularly experience stigma due to their size in healthcare settings. This has also been shown to increase chronic inflammation and is a well-documented health risk due delays in their healthcare.
What inspired you to set up Fat Positive Fertility?
I was told at 16 that I wouldn't be able to get pregnant due to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) so I spent my whole life thinking getting pregnant would be impossible and blaming my fat body for it. When I was ready to start my family, we got pregnant really easily (even though I was still fat!) but I spent my whole first pregnancy terrified that something was going to go wrong. It didn't, but in a parallel reality I know that I could've had difficulties accessing support to grow my family. My lifelong goal is to break the systems that stop fat folks accessing fertility and pregnancy care based on their BMI, and for all folks to have respectful, appropriate and evidence-based care. Not too much to ask, right?
It shouldn’t be! In the meantime, what do you recommend people do if they encounter negativity or misinformation while trying to conceive?
Put yourself and your needs first. No matter where the negativity or misinformation comes from, ensure you set a boundary so that your wellbeing is protected.
How has the way you feel about your own body changed?
My fat body is awesome – I can wiggle one ear, I can lift 130 kg in the gym and I can swim in 2°C in the Thames. Just imagine what awesome things your body could do if you gave it the opportunity!
What kind of work do you do to help your clients?
We focus on 4 main areas using my FAT+ve framework.
F – Formulating health and wellbeing goals without dieting and weight-loss
A – Advocating with other healthcare providers for the support you need
T – Trust, rebuilding trust with your body and food
+ve – Being positive – turning off those mind monkeys that tell you that you aren't worthy of becoming a parent
You're a proud feminist. How much does that factor in your work?
Being a feminist is a huge part of the work that I do. Dieting and weight loss are one of the biggest forms of oppression for women and other folks with marginalised identities. Breaking down the idea that our body should look a certain way benefits everyone. There is also so much tied up around the ability to get pregnant and women's role in society. There needs to be a huge shift away from our worth as women being linked to our ability to get pregnant and become parents.
If you could send one message to (fat) people trying to conceive, what would it be?
Your body is not the problem. The world trying to change you is.
Find Nicola on Instagram: @fatpositivefertility
Nicola’s website: http://nicolasalmon.co.uk