In this article, we will be discussing weight stigma and what health really is.
Health is a combination of your mental health, physical health, stress levels, relationships, happiness, activity, and so much more. We cannot simplify it down to a single calculation.
What Is A Healthy Weight?
The term ‘healthy weight’ is often referred to with regard to the Body Mass Index (BMI) chart. However, we know that this chart is unreliable for numerous reasons, and many are calling to move away from it altogether. Researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine have stated the following:
“BMI (body mass index), which is based on the height and weight of a person, is an inaccurate measure of body fat content and does not take into account muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and racial and sex differences.” – MNT
The truth is that your ‘healthy weight’ is unique to you and cannot be standardised, and it naturally fluctuates throughout life. At Natural Food Therapy, we describe a healthy weight as the following:
Your healthy weight is whatever weight you reach when you are nourishing your body intuitively. When you are not restricting food in any way or compensating for food eaten. When you are neither strictly controlling food nor feeling out of control with food. It’s the natural body state you reach when you feel balanced and able to thrive throughout life.
The ‘Obesity’ Pandemic
There has been much focus on those living in larger bodies in recent years. Which has brought stigma, shame and misunderstanding towards those living at higher weights.
Many who live in larger bodies feel worried about visiting GPs or health services because they are often left feeling judged and treated like a stereotype.
The truth is that weight itself isn’t the problem– we must look at the whole picture of health.
If you live in a larger body, you may have been fat-shamed or bullied. You may feel that it’s your fault or that you have no ‘willpower’. It may feel that society has deemed you lazy or offered you unsolicited weight loss advice. You may have tried so hard to change things and felt even more stuck.
In reality, suggesting that those struggling with food to restrict their food intake is possibly one of the worst things you can do.
Fact: “Less than 6% of those with eating disorders are medically underweight” – ANAD
Eating Disorders Do Not Discriminate
Notoriously, eating disorders are thought to be for thin people. However, less than 6% of those with eating disorders are underweight.
For example, people in larger bodies can suffer from anorexia, and people in smaller bodies can suffer from binge eating disorder.
Eating disorders are not weight disorders.
They are complex mental illnesses about your thoughts, beliefs, behaviours and much more. They happen to people of any weight, gender, or ethnicity.
Final Thoughts: Weight Stigma And Eating Disorders
Weight stigma plays a large part in the issue of people not reaching out for support when struggling with their relationship with food. Eating disorders occur in people of all sized bodies, and if your relationship with food is affecting your life, then you are worthy of support.
We know that the healthcare system and society itself have mistreated those living in larger bodies. And we urge you to reach out if you are struggling.
At Natural Food Therapy, we have supported countless people to find their healthy weight, normalise their relationship with food, and find peace with their bodies. Read more about our recovery programme or get in touch here.
