An unfortunate consequence of the anti-obesity movement is that it has created a negative cultural landscape for people who are not thin. We have been raised with the assumptions that fat is bad and that the perfect body is achievable by eating the right foods and doing the right exercises. However, this is not true.
In my practice, I routinely see “overweight” people who eat well and exercise every day, just as I see “ideal weight” people who do not. In fact, our genes are still the most important factor in determining what our bodies look like and what diseases we will get. It is unfortunate that instead of embracing size diversity, we have chosen to label one size as “healthy” and most of the other sizes as “unhealthy.” In fact, many people want to lose weight not because they feel unhealthy, but because they feel judged for their size.
A new movement in healthcare is “Health At Every Size.” It recognizes that people of all sizes can be healthy and that our health behaviours – including food, activity and sleep – are more important than the numbers on the scale. Focussing only on weight can lead to more dangerous practices such as yo-yo dieting, food and body preoccupation, self-hatred, eating disorders and weight discrimination.
So what can we do to promote health for all?
Demand and promote policies that encourage and support all people to make healthier choices – in your community, at the grocery store, at work and at home.
Respect that bodies come in all sizes. If you hear somebody making a discriminating comment, voice your concerns.
Stay active – find ways to incorporate activity into your life every day. This might mean parking your car a few blocks away from your workplace, making your workstation standing rather than sitting, or walking on your lunch break.
Enjoy healthy food- Eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Eat less processed and refined foods, sugary foods and alcoholic beverages. Learn to listen to your body’s hunger and satiety cues.
Be compassionate with your own efforts to create healthier habits. Change is difficult and will take repeated efforts for success.
Serena Caner is a dietician at Shuswap Lake General Hospital.