Today is named Anti-Obesity Day and exists to highlight how obesity is a public health hazard.
In the work I do as an Accredited Practising Dietitian, I help people in a weight-neutral context (aka anti-diet or anti-trying to ‘fix’ the body), which means I don’t support this anti-obesity day.
We do not support anti-obesity day because of it adding to weight stigma. CLICK HERE to learn more about weight stigma and how it in fact contributes to a public health hazard not for because someone’s body is deemed ‘obese’.
Instead, I would like to bring awareness to how damaging the focus on obesity is on health, in particular, mental health as described in the post – No, Obesity Isn’t Australia’s Biggest Health Problem.
We are all for improving dietary intake and other lifestyle behaviours that are within our control.
Here is a list of strategies that are known to improve health: These strategies may also change a person’s body, weight or size as a side-effect, but is not the reason for improving health…..these strategies are:
- Getting enough sleep.
- Drinking enough water.
- Moving our bodies in ways that are enjoyable.
- Eating plenty of vegetables.
- Eating a couple of serves of fruit each day.
- Eating a variety of food (i.e. breads and cereals, vegetables, fruits, meat and alternatives and dairy and alternatives, fats and oils).
- Eating intuitively.
- If you decide to drink alcohol, drinking only in moderation.
- Having a regular self-care routine.
- Listening to our bodies.
What could you do to improve your level of health?
For support with bringing your focus back to health, please contact me, or if DIY is more your style, grab a copy of ‘30 Days to a Better Relationship With Food and Body’ ebook.
Natalie Thompson 