Weight is a touchy subject in society today. The terminology and words professionals use that relate to a person’s weight are somewhat controversial. Medical terminology provides definitions for the words “obesity” and “overweight” in which health care providers are supposed to use in patient records, but these terms are arguably negative and hurtful. It can imply that size is the medical condition and has an impact on health. After listening to Allison St. Germain, MS, RD, LD present for MAND 2020 I agree that using a non-diet, weight-neutral approach is most beneficial for the patients/clients.

St. Germain provided a controversial subject titled, “Diets Don’t Work.” This is difficult to outright state because by definition what we consume is our diet. What she’s getting at is that the socially understood term “dieting,” in which individuals generally restrict and drastically change their diet, is not a sustainable weight loss effort. The evidence provided for this comes through research studies such as the one conducted on the TV show Biggest Loser’s participants showing long-term effects of total body lean muscle mass and lower levels of leptin. Dieting to lose weight cannot be continued for long periods of time and research shows a negative impact on the body’s ability to function normally. It could possibly be publication bias leading individuals to continue trying new diets.

Diets are seen as the fix-all in society for weight loss. If not diets, then what? Diets attempt to treat the problem: weight or obesity. However, weight or obesity is very likely just a sign or symptom of a real, underlying problem that an individual may be facing. In order to combat this and benefit the patient most, weight loss should not be the goal but rather overall patient well-being. Individuals should be encouraged to follow intuitive eating which focuses on the desire to feel good and healthy rather than an intense desire to be thin and lose weight. To do this, focus on a healthy relationship with food, mind, body, and there may or may not be weight changes. The goal of exercise and mindful eating is to feel good! Also, remember that health isn’t just physical, but also mental and emotional. A healthier you is a healthier you! Focusing on this will gradually get you to your health goal.

Click here to view the hour-long video yourself on the topic of using non-diet, weight-neutral approaches to well-being!

Use the password: MAND2020!