Welcome back to episode 55 of the Nourished with PCOS Podcast! If you are thinking about getting pregnant but have been told that you need to lose weight, or you’re just interested in fertility with PCOS then you are in for a treat. Joining Sam for this episode is Nicola Salmon—a fat positive fertility advocate who uses her platform and expertise to challenge the weight bias and stigmas that exist within the fertility industry and empower those who are often marginalized to take control of their reproductive health with confidence and self-assurance. In this episode, we discuss the bias and stigma in the medical community towards those in larger bodies, especially when it comes to fertility and PCOS. Nicola shares her personal experience with PCOS and what it was like to be prescribed weight loss as a treatment when she was trying to conceive. We speak about  the misguided focus on weight with PCOS, and Nicola dismantles the myths surrounding weight loss and health outcomes. Sam and Nicola also discuss: Systemic issues related to weight bias and PCOS fertility careThoughts on BMI requirements for fertility treatmentHow healthcare may look different at higher weightsWeight and gestational diabetesNicola’s advice if you’re thinking about trying to conceiveNicola offers practical advice for advocating for oneself in healthcare settings and encourages a shift toward a more holistic and inclusive approach. So prepare to learn more, and feel inspired and empowered as we explore the importance of compassionate care and the need to change the healthcare narrative when it comes to fertility, weight, and PCOS. Because everyone deserves nurturing, respectful, and personalized care. To read more about Nicola and connect with her, visit the show notes on our website. Join the Nourished with PCOS Collective A membership for non-dieters to help you reduce PCOS symptoms without food rules or restriction. Click here to join for $29/month. Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/