Selected Podcast

My Big Fat Fabulous Life: Glamorizing an Unhealthy Lifestyle?

My Big Fat Fabulous Life: Glamorizing an Unhealthy Lifestyle?
You might have heard of TLC's reality TV show, My Big Fat Fabulous Life, which follows 31-year-old Whitney Way Thore.

In just one year at college, Thore gained 200 pounds. She became extremely popular after her "fat girl dancing" YouTube videos went viral with more than six million views.

The show follows her as she tries to find her way in a society obsessed with weight.

Even though Thore has found a way to accept her body and love herself again and has created the #NoBodyShameCampaign, a movement fighting the effects of body shame while promoting self love, there are mixed views on this show.

Is she glamourizing an unhealthy lifestyle? Does she know the seriousness of her health issues? Body positivity can be a wonderful concept to teach (especially to young girls), but where do you draw the line between acceptance and living a healthy life?

Listen in as Dena Cabrera, PsyD, shares he expertise on why this show is gaining popularity and if it's sending the wrong message.
Featured Speaker:
Dena Cabrera, PsyD
Dena Cabrera Dena Cabrera, Psy.D., CEDS, is the Clinical Director of the Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders. Dr. Cabrera oversees all clinical aspects of patient care, leads program development and directs staff training and supervision throughout the Rosewood system. Prior to being appointed as Rosewoods' Clinical Director, Dr. Cabrera served two years in the role of Clinical Director of Adolescent Services, and Director of The Rosewood Institute.

Dr. Cabrera is a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist with a wealth of diverse clinical experience including 19 years treating individuals, families and groups with a range of medical and psychiatric disorders. Her specialized training include neuropsychological and psychological assessment, dialectical behavior therapy, as well as the cognitive-behavioral treatment for patients with developmental disorders, behavioral problems, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

Dr. Cabrera is a nationally recognized eating disorders expert. She has authored numerous articles and publications and is honored by her academic and clinical peers for contributing vital resources to the field of eating disorders. She most recently co-authored, Mom in the Mirror: Body Image, Beauty and Life After Pregnancy (Rowman & Littlefield), a first resource of its kind that speaks to moms, and those who love them, through a personal and compassionate lens that assists in healing from body-image disturbances and eating disorders.

Dr. Cabrera is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Academy of Eating Disorders and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. She received her Master of Arts and PsyD in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles.
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