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I've been alerted an unfortunate podcast episode and social media posts from a prominent vegan figure telling people they need to know their waist circumference, weight and BMI.
THIS IS DIET CULTURE.
You do NOT need to know or track these numbers in order to be "healthy."
THIS IS DIET CULTURE.
You do NOT need to know or track these numbers in order to be "healthy."
Good health isn't granted by knowing numbers.
First, just about 30% of what makes up health is due to individual behaviors (aka what may be within our control).
Source: https://nam.edu/social-determinants-of-health-101-for-health-care-five-plus-five/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAlsv_BRDtARIsAHMGVSbOZEz96wIa8GfRZvBGZjQvOT_FFzCsXUU8IJgHHk4qjFtp7t51VCsaAi51EALw_wcB
First, just about 30% of what makes up health is due to individual behaviors (aka what may be within our control).
Source: https://nam.edu/social-determinants-of-health-101-for-health-care-five-plus-five/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAlsv_BRDtARIsAHMGVSbOZEz96wIa8GfRZvBGZjQvOT_FFzCsXUU8IJgHHk4qjFtp7t51VCsaAi51EALw_wcB
Second, research has found a few key healthy behaviors have a significant impact on health (eating 5 or more fruits and vegetables daily, exercising regularly, consuming alcohol in moderation, and not smoking) regardless of BMI.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22218619/
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22218619/
Third, focusing on numbers is a slippery slope into a disordered relationship with food, exercise and body.
In my work as an RD, helping people detach from numbers empowers them to connect with their bodies and establish truly sustainable and joyful healthy habits.
In my work as an RD, helping people detach from numbers empowers them to connect with their bodies and establish truly sustainable and joyful healthy habits.
Fourth, knowing your weight doesn't translate to better health. In fact, just perceiving yourself as overweight (no matter your actual weight) has been linked with poorer physical and mental health outcomes.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28504919
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28504919
Stop focusing on weight. It's not doing you any good and it's actually harmful. https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-018-1116-5
Resist diet culture and its focus on numbers. If you have concerns, I highly recommend working with a healthcare professional who uses a Health At Every Size approach and can help you take care of yourself without shame, judgment or stigma. https://haescommunity.com/search/
And finally, unfollow anyone who is peddling this. And begin to follow folks who take an anti-oppression approach to health. https://www.taylorwolfram.com/instagram-accounts/
