There’s a common misconception that the only way for people with larger bodies to be healthy is by losing weight. However, scientific research is increasingly suggesting that health isn’t solely determined by weight. In fact, it’s possible to be healthy at any size, and focusing on overall well-being rather than weight loss is far more effective in promoting lasting health. Here’s why being bigger doesn’t mean being unhealthy, and why we should stop measuring health by the scale.
The Truth About Body Size and Health
We live in a society that often equates being larger with being unhealthy. This narrative is reinforced daily through harmful messages from the media, diet culture, and even well-meaning health advice. However, these assumptions ignore the complexities of health. Studies have shown that weight alone is not a reliable indicator of someone’s health status. In fact, body mass index (BMI), the standard measure used to determine if someone is overweight or obese, has significant limitations. For instance, someone with a “normal” BMI can still have poor health markers, like high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease, while an overweight person can be metabolically healthy and active (The Conversation, 2017).
The Dangers of Dieting and Stigmatization
The idea that health can only be achieved through weight loss often leads to harmful practices like dieting, which in many cases, doesn’t result in sustained weight loss. A large percentage of people who lose weight through dieting end up gaining it back, a phenomenon known as weight cycling. This constant fluctuation can put significant strain on the body and may contribute to long-term health problems, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (ReachOut, 2023).
Additionally, the societal stigma attached to being overweight or obese can worsen health outcomes. Body shaming and negative stereotypes associated with larger bodies often lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. For many, this stigma results in unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as emotional eating or avoiding exercise out of fear of judgment (The Conversation, 2017). These negative experiences can make it even harder for individuals to maintain healthy habits, reinforcing a cycle of unhealthy behaviors.
Embracing a Positive Relationship with Our Bodies
It’s essential to shift our focus from weight loss to building a healthy relationship with our bodies. This can include appreciating what our bodies can do, setting realistic health goals, and finding enjoyable ways to stay active. Whether it’s walking, dancing, or participating in group sports, the key is to make physical activity fun and fulfilling, not a chore.
Being bigger doesn’t mean being unhealthy. Health is defined by much more than a number on a scale; it’s about how we feel, how we move, and how we take care of our bodies. By rejecting harmful weight-centric narratives and embracing a more inclusive, holistic approach to wellness, we can all live healthier, happier lives. Let’s stop defining health by size and start focusing on behaviors that promote well-being at every size.
ReachOut Content Team. (2023). Being bigger doesn’t mean being unhealthy.
Retrieved from https://au.reachout.com/challenges-and-coping/body-image/being-bigger-doesnt-mean-being-unhealthy
The Conversation. (2017). Obese does not necessarily mean unhealthy.
Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/obese-does-not-necessarily-mean-unhealthy-72718
Written by: Venn Magpantay
