Dr Katherine Iscoe
Is a Canadian-born confidence guru who thrives on teaching effective, evidence-based solutions to help change people’s lives for the better, to ignite positivity and shine from within. She is a proud published author, a motivational speaker and the creator of The 7-Pillar Forever approach to healthy living. Her unique science-backed process, that has helped over 1,200 women, is informed by extensive research, personal experiences and academic qualifications; including Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences, Master of Science in Exercise Physiology and Health Sciences, a Doctorate in Exercise Physiology and Biotechnology and a Post-graduate Certificate in Counselling. In a society blinded by #inspiration and #bodygoals, Dr Katherine continually aims to prove that it’s understanding the science behind our behaviours, that will promote change in ourselves and our self-confidence.
MY STORY
I grew up in Canada, America, France and Italy. My parents divorced when I was a child, which started my loss of identity. As a young teen, I began a cycle of extreme dieting. At the time, being anorexic was ‘cool’, so much so, in fact, that the goal was to eat so little that you fainted.
My restrictive eating then spun into drinking, then drugs (hard and soft), and minor brushes with the law—all in the hopes of being popular and liked.
Ironically, I loved food, and at only 18 years of age became executive pastry chef for one of Toronto’s top restaurants which hosted the likes of Demi Moore, Cher, Halle Berry, Dani DeVito, Michael Jordan, Dan Ackroyd among many more. This experience, along with the fast-paced R-rated nature of the entertainment industry made me grow up very, very fast, problematic as I still didn’t know who I was in the first place.
I then ventured out on my own, opening a restaurant and catering business at only 20 years of age, which soon failed after which I went bankrupt for a quarter million dollars at only 23 years. Unsure of what to do next, I went back to school to ‘give it a try’; I ended up getting stuck there for the next 10+ years.
After finishing my doctorate I started a nutrition and fitness company (Deliciously Fitt). I figured everyone out there was making money off helping people lose weight, so why couldn’t I?
I had years of experience, including training Olympic and professional athletes, and knew a tremendous amount when it came to nutrition.
As such, I became the face of my brand, once again striving for the ‘perfect’ body and ‘perfect’ life so I could feel good about myself.
This business also didn’t work out. Why? Well, you can’t sell something you don’t believe in – and I was trying to sell myself, and I didn’t believe in myself.
Unfortunately, it’s just not that simple.
To cut a long story short, my extreme dieting and exercise habits, as well as my hyper-focus on changing my appearance have not only caused decades of unhappiness, but have also now lead to permanent health problems including severe digestive disorders. I’ve battled severe depression to the point of attempting suicide.
It was only through years of working on myself, along with professional help that I was able to pull both my mental and physical health back on track.
It is therefore my personal knowledge of how dark, dangerous and insidious this problem can be that has driven me to develop and teach effective, evidence-based solutions to change people’s lives.
I know the demons you’re facing – I’ve looked them in the eye, and I know how to beat them.
And now, I want to help you beat them too.
If this even remotely resonates with you, I’m so glad to meet you, you’re in the right place.
Dr Katherine Iscoe
Author, Speaker & Shoe Addict
my favourite topics
Media Expertise
I love helping people live more confident, happy and fulfilled lives! So if you’re looking for someone to be a subject-matter expert or develop content, or simply need an interesting angle for a new story, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Unless I’m walking with Eszie, my adopted Chihuahua, I’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
- Self-Confidence
- Self-Esteem
- Body Image
- Fulfilment
- Relationship Communication
You may have seen me on…
My Expertise & Qualifications
I am the founder and director of the Dr Katherine® brand and the co-founder of MyFiziq® Limited—an ASX-listed company with a multi-million-dollar market capitalisation.
I hold numerous scholarships and awards and have completed a Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences, Master of Science in Exercise Physiology and Health Sciences, a Doctorate in Exercise Physiology and Biotechnology and a Post-graduate Certificate in Counselling.
I am now thinking of doing a second PhD!
Qualifications
Murdoch University, Perth, Australia, Graduate Certificate in Counselling. Graduate-level certification based on understanding the counselling relationship, the key feature of an effective counselling practice, in addition to performing critical appraisals on counselling literature. (Oct 2016 – February 2018).
University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia, Ph.D. Thesis: Optimizing diabetes management using continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMSs). July 2008 – June 2012.
York University, Toronto, Canada, M.Sc., Endocrinology & Exercise Physiology, Thesis: Exercise Effects on Acute and Late Glycemic Management in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes, 2005 – 2008
York University, Toronto, Canada, B.A., Kinesiology & Health Science, Specialized Honours, Summa Cum Laude. Concurrent degree in Fitness Assessment & Training Stream, Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP), Canadian Society for Exercise of Physiology, 2002 – 2005
St. Stephen’s School, Rome, Italy, high school diploma with International Baccalaureate (IB) courses in macro-economics and applied mathematics, Trustee’s Medal for highest GPA, 1994 – 1996
Awards & Certifications
- Nominated 40 Under 40 Award (2016, 2017, 2018; did not enter)
- Nominated Telstra Women’s Business Award (2016, 2017, 2018; did not enter)
- Short-listed for the Australian National Seed Award (Type 1 Diabetes Network) 2010
- Industrial Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) 2008-11; first of five awarded of 200 applicants
- University Postgraduate Award (International Student) 2008-11
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) 2007-08 (declined)
- NSERC Canadian Post-Graduate Scholarship (CGS-M) 2006-07
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) 2006-07 (declined)
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) 2005-06
- York University Graduate Scholarship; Teaching Assistantship 2005-07
- York University Graduate Scholarship; Research Assistantship 2005-06
- Short-listed for Killam Fellowship 2004, NSERC short-list 2005
- Certified Exercise Physiologist, Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (2004)
- Professional Fitness & Lifestyle Consultant, Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (2003)
- Continuing Education Scholarship 2002, Bursaries 2002-05
- Dean’s List for academic achievement 2002-04
Memberships
- American Psychological Association – International Affiliate Member (current)
- Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) – Academic Member (current)
- Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) – Associate Member (current)
Publications
- Yardley, J.E., Riddell, M.C., B.A. Perkins, Iscoe, K.E. Sigal, R.J. Insulin Pump Therapy is Associated with Less Post-exercise Hyperglycemia than Multiple Daily Injections: An Observational Study of Physically-Active Type 1 Diabetes Patients. Diabetes Technol Ther. Oct 2012. In Press.
- Iscoe, K.E., Davey, R.J. and Fournier, P.A., Is the response of continuous glucose monitors to physiological changes in blood glucose levels affected by sensor life? Diabetes Technol Ther. 2012 Feb;14(2):135-42. Epub 2011 Dec 9.
- Iscoe, K.E., Davey, R.J. and Fournier, P.A., Do different glucose levels at calibration influence accuracy of continuous glucose monitoring readings in vitro? J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2012 Mar 1;6(2):477-8.
- Iscoe, K.E. and Riddell, M.C., Continuous Moderate Exercise With or Without the Addition of Intermittent High Intensity Work: Effects on Acute and Late Glycemic Management in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes. Diabet Med. 2011 Mar 9 [Epub ahead of print]
- Iscoe, K.E., Davey, R.J. and Fournier, P.A., Efficacy of a continuous glucose monitoring system for the detection of exercise-induced hypoglycaemia. Diabetes Care. 2011 June; 34(6):e109.
- Iscoe, K.E., Diabetes Fits Sports & Education Camps: Putting Research into Action. Clinical Diabetes. 2010 July; 28(3):124-126.
- Iscoe, K.E. and Riddell, M.C., High Rates of Nocturnal Hypoglycemia in a Unique Sports Camp for Athletes with Type 1 Diabetes: Observations Learned from CGMS. Canadian Journal of Diabetes. 2008 September;32(3):182-189.
- Riddell, M.C., Jamnik, V.K., Iscoe, K.E., Timmons, B.W., Gledhill, N. Fat Oxidation During Exercise and the Exercise Intensity that Elicits Maximal Fat Oxidation in Pre-Pubertal and Young Adult Males. Journal of Applied Physiology, 2008 Aug; 105(2):742-8. Epub June 5, 2008.
- Iscoe, K.E. and Riddell, M.C. The International Olympic Committee Volume XIII Encyclopedia of Sports Medicine: Type 1 Diabetes and Sports. The Young Athlete, 2nd Edition. Blackwell Publishing, p372-385, 2008. Editors: H. Hebestreit and O. Bar-Or.
- Iscoe, K.E., and Riddell, M.C. Insulin Adjustments & Physical Activity: A Guideline for Type 1 Diabetes. The Diabetes Communicator, CDA. October, 2007.
- Iscoe, K.E., B.A. Perkins, and M.C. Riddell. Type 1 Diabetes & Aerobic Exercise: Strategies for Optimal Glycemic Control. Diabetes Communiqué. May/June pages 6-8, 2007.
- Iscoe, K.E., Campbell, J.E., Jamnik,V., Perkins, B.A., Riddell, M.C. Efficacy of Continuous Real-Time Blood Glucose Monitoring During and After Prolonged High Intensity Cycling Exercise: Spinning with CGMS. Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics. 2006. Dec;8(6):627-35.
- Riddell, M. C. and Iscoe, K.E. Physical Activity, Sport & Pediatric Diabetes. Pediatric Diabetes. 2006; 7(1):60- 70.
Abstracts
- Iscoe, K.E., Davey, R.J. and Fournier, P.A., Does the calibration value influence accuracy of continuous glucose monitoring readings in vitro? The Australian Diabetes Society and Australian Diabetes Educators Association Conference, Poster Session, August 2011.
- Iscoe, K.E., Davey, R.J. and Fournier, P.A., Is sensor accuracy within euglycaemic range affected by sensor life? A systematic investigation of continuous glucose monitoring accuracy over time. The Australian Diabetes Society and Australian Diabetes Educators Association Conference, Poster Session, August 2011.
- Iscoe, K.E., Davey, R.J. and Fournier, P.A., Is the Accuracy and Lag of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems in Measuring Physiological Changes in Blood Glucose Levels Affected by Sensor Life? American Diabetes Association, Oral Presentation, June 2011.
- Iscoe, K.E., Davey, R.J. and Fournier, P.A., Does Glucose Level at Calibration Influence Accuracy of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Readings In Vitro? American Diabetes Association, Poster Session, June 2011.
- Iscoe, K.E., Davey, R.J. and Fournier, P.A., Prevention of exercise-induced hypoglycaemia by increasing the low glucose alarm of a continuous glucose monitoring system. CAHS Research Symposium, October 2010.
- Iscoe, K.E., Davey, R.J. and Fournier, P.A., Prevention of exercise-induced hypoglycaemia by increasing the low glucose alarm of a continuous glucose monitoring system. Combined Biological Sciences Meeting, August 2010.
- Iscoe, K.E., Davey, R.J. and Fournier, P.A., Efficacy of a continuous glucose monitoring system for the detection of exercise-induced hypoglycemia. American Diabetes Association, June 2010.
- Iscoe, K.E., Corcoran, M, and Riddell, M.C., Nocturnal Hypoglycemia in a Sports Camp for Athlete’s with Type 1 Diabetes. Ontario Exercise Physiology Conference, Conference Handbook, January 2007.
- Iscoe, K.E., Campbell, J.E., Jamnik,V., Perkins, B.A., Riddell, M.C. Efficacy of Continuous Real Time Blood Glucose Monitoring During and After Prolonged High Intensity Cycling Exercise: Spinning with CGMS. Canadian Diabetes Association, Conference Handbook, October 2006.
- Iscoe, K.E., Campbell, J.E., Jamnik,V., Perkins, B.A., Riddell, M.C. Efficacy of Continuous Real Time Blood Glucose Monitoring During and After Prolonged High Intensity Cycling Exercise: Spinning with CGMS. Ontario Exercise Physiology Conference, Conference Handbook, January 2006.
Other publications
- Iscoe, K.E. Simply Forever: Super easy fad-free recipes to get you cooking. Published January 2016. ISBN 978-0-646-94749-5.
- Iscoe, K.E. A Girl’s Guide to Body Confidence. Filled with relatable stories and Dr Katherine’s cheeky metaphors, this book is guaranteed to have you laughing, crying and most importantly, strutting with confidence. Available March 2019.
Want me to speak at an event?
I love nothing more than to help people live more confident lives (and to give hugs) using my simple but effective education-based techniques. So if you’re looking for something different in your school, workplace or business event, I’m confident I can help (pardon the pun).
Want to work with me?
Some people prefer my private sessions where we can really get to the bottom of your low confidence and unhappiness. You can either choose to visit me in person or we can ‘meet up’ online. What makes my sessions different from everyone else is that they last 7 days!
Not sure what you want?
Maybe you like what you see but aren’t sure where to start? Not to worry. Just pop me an email and I’ll help you find your way!
