One such theory is called Health at Every Size (HAES), a weight-neutral approach built on the following principles: Join Opinion on Facebook and follow updates on /roomfordebate.As national obesity rates have continued to rise, so too have various, often opposing, theories on the health implications of excess weight. I'm eager for black women to tell their weight stories, even more so if they connect with fat activism and Health at Every Size. I also imagine that an end to racism, sexism, weight prejudice and other forms of discrimination would be good for everyone's health. I imagine black women of all sizes have diverse opinions about weight. We forget that correlation does not prove causation and that many of the factors fat people face - dieting history, fitness levels, health care barriers, stress, discrimination and poverty - play a role in many of the diseases, like diabetes, that get blamed on weight. It is common to blame health woes on weight. (For more information, see Linda Bacon's book, ' Health at Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight.')

In preliminary research, Health at Every Size improved long-term health and happiness, where weight-loss methods did not. Developed in the last 25 years by experts in health, psychology, nutrition and fitness, Health at Every Size invites people to stop dieting, love their bodies, end weight prejudice and find enjoyable food and fitness habits. Compared to women who are happy with their weight, women who want to lose 20 percent of their body weight take 4.3 more sick days per month.Īn approach called Health at Every Size offers an alternative that, based on scientific evidence, is better for both health and happiness. The effect is stronger among women than men and stronger among white people than people of color. (Fat people who exercise regularly are healthier than thin people who don't.)Īccording to a 2008 study in the American Journal of Public Health, wanting to lose weight more strongly predicts the number of sick days people take than their actual weight does. Exercise is good for health, not for weight loss.Yo-yo dieting is linked to poor health and shortened life.Pretty much everyone who loses weight gains it back within a few years.According to Alice Randall, not dieting is a bad idea. Sunday was International No Diet Day, a health and social justice event celebrated since 1992.

Health At Every Size by Linda Bacon