...... Lesson A demonstrated that traditional approaches to conceptualizing weight and treating weight-related concerns have not led to improved health or decreased the rate of weight gain within American society. The hypothesis that large people are inherently unhealthy while small people are inherently healthy is NOT supported. Due to inconsistencies and lack of scientific evidence, current conceptualization of healthy or ideal weight as defined by height/weight tables, BMI's shinfolds, etc. should be abandoned. In their place, we would suggest a new working definition. In the New Paradigm, Health At Every Size context:
 

HEALTHY WEIGHT = The weight at which a person's body settles as they move towards a more balanced lifestyle.

This definition does not suggest that all people are currently at a weight that is ideal for their health. What it strongly purports is that movement towards a healthier lifestyle will, for most people, produce a weight that is appropriate for that person.  Focusing on weight, rather than health, is most likely to result in weight cycling and over time, increased weight. Although this approach may seem radical at first blush, it is actually quite congruent with the conclusion statement of the 1992 National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference that:

"a focus on approaches that can produce health benefits independantly of weight loss may be the best way to improve the physical and psychological health of Americans seeking to lose weight." (ref)

The focus for assisting clients thererfore shifts from weight to health.  This could certainly include work involving physically activity and facilitating movement towards healthy, unrestrained eating. However, it is essential that it also consider all the factors that contribute to whether a person is healthy or not, including social, emotional and spiritual as well as physical factors. Incorporating a truly "holistic" understanding of health helps the provider to really listen to the needs of the client and helps the client to begin to take responsibilty for their own life and health.

Many individuals who follow this path will end up with perfectly "healthy" weights that fall into categories currently defined as "obese" by both medical and social standards. Therefore, helping clients with Self- and Size-Acceptance concerns is of paramount importance as well. Unit IV provides specific information and resources designed to facilitate implementation of new paradigm-based alternative approaches for caring for clients with weight-related concerns.

ReferencesRefere
References:

Fraser, L. (1997). Losing it: America's obsession with weight and the industry that feeds on it. New York: Dutton.

Gaesser, G. A. (1997). Big fat lies: The truth about your weight and health. New York: Fawcett Columbine.

Kratina, K., King, N., & Hayes, D. (1996). Moving away from diets: New ways to heal eating problems & exercise resistance. Lake Dallas, TX: Helm Seminars, Publishing.

Robison, J. (1999). Weight, Health and Culture: Shifting the Paradigm for Alternative Health Care. Alternative Health Practitioner, 5(1), 1-25.

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© Fall 2001