For the past few years, it has been ingrained in our brains that in order to be healthy, we need to lose weight and get our BMI (Body Mass Index) within a "normal range". But, is the number on the scale a proper and actual predictor of health? Maybe not. By getting onto a scale and seeing our weight, then calculating our BMI, we are failing to consider our cardiovascular fitness, physical activity level and quality of diet. Although we should be conscious of our weight, it is not a true predictor of our overall health. Sometimes, being bigger and fit may be healthier than being thin and out of shape.
Recent studies have shown that yo-yo dieting tends to increase markers of inflammation, increase high blood pressure and increase low HLD cholesterol (good cholesterol). With that said, overweight and obesity may not be the true underlying cause of disease, but rather diet quality, exercise and sleep habits.
Perhaps the stigma of being overweight and the pressure that is put on us to lose weight creates an unhealthy relationship with food causing emotional eating and poor self-esteem. Rather than pressure society to lose weight in order to lower BMI, we should be encouraging small changes to our lifestyle and being the best that you can be, instead. As individuals, we should be working towards bettering our health both mentally and physically, rather than lowering the number on the scale. Allow weight loss to be a side effect of creating and maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
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