Why Weight Loss Won't Fix Your Health

This is probably going to upset a lot of people in my industry, but I’ll say it anyway: losing weight isn’t the healthy solution people think it is. It’s just not.

The idea that weight loss is the cure-all for various health issues such as knee pain or diabetes has been perpetuated for years. However, recent research suggests that losing weight might not be the magic bullet that it was once thought to be. While maintaining a healthy weight is typically associated with good health, it is not the root cause of health problems. In fact, extra body weight can be a symptom (rather than a cause) of underlying health issues, and many “overweight” or “obese” individuals can be healthy despite their weight.

In this post, we will explore the reasons why weight loss may not solve health problems like knee pain or diabetes and look at examples of heavier people who have all the markers of good health.

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Your Weight Isn’t a Root Cause of Anything

First, it is crucial to understand that weight is not the primary cause of health issues. Instead, it should be thought about as a side effect, if at all. For example, knee pain can be caused by several factors, including injuries, muscle imbalances, overuse, arthritis, or genetics. Similarly, diabetes is a metabolic disorder caused by various factors such as genetics, diet, lifestyle, unmanaged stress, and environmental factors. While being “overweight”* or “obese”* may seem to contribute to these health problems, it is usually corollary rather than a cause. * Losing weight may not solve these health problems and could be a tremendous waste of mental (and physical) energy when other treatments or lifestyle changes may move the needle further.

Weight Is a Terrible Way to Measure Health

Aside from it not being the cause of health problems, weight is not an accurate measure of overall health. Numerous overweight or obese individuals have all the markers of good health, such as normal blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. For example, in a study published in the International Journal of Obesity, researchers found that nearly half of the larger-bodied individuals they studied had normal blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. Moreover, some studies suggest that being “overweight” may even have some health benefits, such as lower rates of osteoporosis and better survival rates in some types of cancer. Plus, don’t we all know at least one skinny person who is basically one greasy meal away from dropping dead!

The Harmful Effects of the Thin Ideal

Focusing solely on weight loss can have negative consequences. For example, restrictive diets or extreme exercise regimens can lead to disordered eating patterns, nutrient deficiencies, and even injury. Moreover, the constant pressure to lose weight can lead to poor self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and even depression, which can negatively impact overall health and well-being. Gyms have historically perpetuated this, even though it discourages bigger-bodied people from joining or using their memberships.

Don’t Focus on Weight Loss

A word of caution if your doctor or someone else recommends weight loss as their very first recommendation to improve your health. What it means when someone does that is they aren’t looking for the root cause of your problem and they are probably assuming you compulsively smoosh cheeseburgers into your face while driving, then wash them down with a huge 2-liter of soda.

Weight loss may not be the solution to all health problems like knee pain or diabetes. You can be healthy or sick at any weight. Weight can be a symptom of underlying health issues, and many individuals living in bigger bodies can be healthier than their thin friends and neighbors. Instead of focusing solely on weight loss, addressing the root cause of health issues and adopting a holistic approach to overall health and well-being is essential.

It’s cool if you want to lose weight and it’s fine if you don’t. Just don’t confuse weight with health and you’ll be healthier and happier.

RESOURCE:

Recommended Reading: Fearing the Black Body by Sabrina Strings. This book is a refreshing take on the origins of fatphobia and diet culture. A must-read!

*The terms “overweight” and “obese” are obsolete and should be replaced with terms like “bigger-bodied” to avoid perpetuating weight stigma.