Beyond the scale: Rethinking health in a weight-centered context
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32870/jbf.v4i8.62Keywords:
weight-centered approach, fatphobia, hunger, satietyAbstract
A weight-centered approach refers to the excessive focus on body weight as the primary indicator of health and well-being. This perspective often leads to the stigmatization of individuals with overweight or obesity and to reductive health approaches that neglect other critical factors such as balanced nutrition, physical activity, and emotional well-being. Healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in this dynamic. Studies have shown that some may harbor biases against patients with higher body weights, leading to incomplete diagnoses, reduced consultation time, or recommendations solely focused on weight loss, overlooking other health determinants. Such attitudes can diminish the quality of care and discourage patients from seeking medical help, exacerbating physical and mental health issues. Hunger and satiety are biological mechanisms that regulate food intake. These processes are influenced by factors such as hormones (ghrelin and leptin), environment, emotional state, and dietary habits. However, a weight-centered approach can undermine these natural cues, promoting restrictive diets that contribute to eating disorders and dysfunctional relationships with food. Consequently, weight management strategies should prioritize sustainable and holistic approaches encompassing nutrition, physical activity, and mental well-being, rather than fixating on achieving a specific number on the scale. Promoting healthy habits and embracing body diversity are more effective and ethical ways to enhance overall health and quality of life. This perspective aims to reflect on these issues, highlighting the integral role of nutrition and advocating for respectful and equitable healthcare practices.
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