Michelle Dever

RESEARCH PROFILE

Dr Michelle Dever

Weight stigma in preconception, pregnancy and postpartum women: A socioecological perspective

Dr Michelle Dever is a naturopath, nutritionist, and researcher in the Health and Social Care Unit.

Her PhD research (2022–2026) centred around unravelling the profound experiences of weight stigma in women during the preconception, pregnant, and postpartum (PPP) years.

With society’s relentless emphasis on conforming to the ‘thin body ideal’, Michelle acknowledged the unique challenges these women face in navigating weight-related expectations. The complex interplay of societal pressures surrounding weight management, particularly in relation to pregnancy weight-gain, and postpartum weight-loss, creates a particularly challenging environment which magnifies the effects of weight stigma in this population.

Michelle’s research focused on identifying the key sources of weight stigma among PPP women, and examining their impact on body image, and self-esteem from the women’s perspective. Her findings will contribute to the development of strategies aimed at addressing weight stigma in PPP women, and serving as a basis for future research in this crucial area.

For more information: Michelle.Dever@monash.edu