This appeared in their Fall 2003 issue, the author is Glenn Gaesser, the author of "Big Fat Lies: The Truth about Your Weight and Your Health".
Is it Necessary to be Thin to be Healthy?" Glenn A. Gaesser, PhD
Despite increasing prevalence of dieting, Americans are heavier than ever. Not only do traditional calorie-restrictive weight-loss approaches frequently fail, dieting may actually contribute to obesity. Because many of the health problems associated with body fat are the same as those linked to physical inactivity and poor diet, the health risks of overweight and obesity per se have been exaggerated. Most weight-related health conditions can be treated effectively by increasing physical activity and improving quality of diet, independent of weight loss. It is suggested that a non-weight-centered paradigm-Health At Every Size--be considered for improving the health of individuals considered overweight or obese. Results from large-scale lifestyle intervention trials indicate that it may be easier to get people to "move more" than to "eat less." Contrary to conventional wisdom, it is not necessary to be thin to be healthy. Fitness can come in many shapes and sizes. In view of the potential risks associated with calorie-restrictive dieting and weight fluctuation (yo-yoing), public health may be better served by placing greater emphasis on lifestyle changes and less importance to specific weight loss goals. Millions of people stigmatized as "too fat" need to be reassured that the road to good health is not so narrow as to prevent them from walking it.
The full article can be read by clicking the PDF link at the bottom of the page. Just click the article title above to get there.
Is it Necessary to be Thin to be Healthy?" Glenn A. Gaesser, PhD
Despite increasing prevalence of dieting, Americans are heavier than ever. Not only do traditional calorie-restrictive weight-loss approaches frequently fail, dieting may actually contribute to obesity. Because many of the health problems associated with body fat are the same as those linked to physical inactivity and poor diet, the health risks of overweight and obesity per se have been exaggerated. Most weight-related health conditions can be treated effectively by increasing physical activity and improving quality of diet, independent of weight loss. It is suggested that a non-weight-centered paradigm-Health At Every Size--be considered for improving the health of individuals considered overweight or obese. Results from large-scale lifestyle intervention trials indicate that it may be easier to get people to "move more" than to "eat less." Contrary to conventional wisdom, it is not necessary to be thin to be healthy. Fitness can come in many shapes and sizes. In view of the potential risks associated with calorie-restrictive dieting and weight fluctuation (yo-yoing), public health may be better served by placing greater emphasis on lifestyle changes and less importance to specific weight loss goals. Millions of people stigmatized as "too fat" need to be reassured that the road to good health is not so narrow as to prevent them from walking it.
The full article can be read by clicking the PDF link at the bottom of the page. Just click the article title above to get there.
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