Embracing Health at Every Size: Debunking Myths and Focusing on Well-being
In the world of fitness and wellness, there's a growing movement that challenges conventional ideas about weight and health. The Health at Every Size (HAES) movement advocates for the belief that health and well-being are not determined by body size alone.
As a female-focused fitness coach, I want to make a little change to this movement to better support all individuals in achieving their health goals.
Understanding Health at Every Size (HAES)
The Health at Every Size movement emphasizes that health is multifaceted and cannot be assessed solely by body weight or size. Instead, it promotes:
Body Acceptance: Encouraging people to appreciate and accept their bodies regardless of their size.
Health Enhancement: Focusing on improving overall well-being through sustainable lifestyle changes rather than weight loss alone.
Respect for Diversity: Recognizing that bodies come in various shapes and sizes, and that each person's health journey is unique.
I love all of the above and it's a huge part of our culture at COREFIT! We don't focus on bodyweight, burning calories or what size your leggings are. We do focus on how you MOVE and FEEL. But working with women, weight is always on the mind, and it is a metric that can provide feedback in your overall health plan.
Myth vs. Reality: Healthy Weight Ranges
One common misconception is that being thin equates to being healthy, while being overweight or obese equates to being unhealthy. Health is determined by numerous factors beyond weight, including:
Physical Activity: Regular exercise is crucial for cardiovascular health, muscular strength, and overall well-being.
Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains supports optimal health regardless of body size.
Mental Health: Emotional well-being, stress management, and mental health support are essential components of overall health.
I do think we lose a little when we make blanket statements that you can be HEALTHY at any size.
BMI scales are antiquated and don't necessarily give the best representation of health, but they are a guideline used in the medical community to determine obesity. Health is not Black and White. There are lots of shades in between and different phases of life.
While BMI can be a useful screening tool, it's essential to consider individual health markers such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and physical fitness when assessing overall health.
Instead of HEALTH AT ANY SIZE, I encourage a new Mission that
You can be HEALTHY at MANY SIZES!
There is a healthy size range for all of us where we FEEL good and can DO all the things we want to do (without pain). But there's a limit on both ends of the spectrum.
You may think your pre-baby weight is healthy for you, but to get there you may deprive yourself of too many nutrients and overexert your body with too much physical activity which results in low energy availability (LEA), bone, teeth, and fertility issues, Osteoporosis and bone fractures, a weakened immune system, malnutrition, anemia among other things.
Or you gained the appropriate baby weight but have continued to trend up a little each year (on average 5-10lbs). After 5 years of that trend your body may be pushing the upper limit of healthy and you start to feel the excess on your joints, your energy, and in turn you are less inclined to exercise (and your health continues to decline). Both of these scenarios are not healthy for you in the long term. Including the mental toll stressing over your weight induces.
If you are obese, as is around 40% of Americans, there are inherent medical risks:
Cardiovascular Disease: Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity is a significant risk factor for developing insulin resistance and diabetes.
Joint Problems: Excess weight puts stress on joints, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis.
Respiratory Issues: Obesity can cause or exacerbate conditions such as sleep apnea and asthma.
Liver Disease: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is more common in people who are obese.
Cancers: Obesity is linked to higher risks of certain cancers, including breast, colon, and kidney cancer.
Psychological and Social Effects: Obesity can lead to depression, anxiety, and social stigma.
Reproductive Issues: Women may experience infertility or complications during pregnancy due to obesity.
Gastrointestinal Problems: Increased likelihood of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gallbladder disease.
Reduced Quality of Life: Obesity can limit mobility, affect self-esteem, and impair overall well-being.
So what should you do? Find yourself a HEALTHY weight range. Mine is +/- 5 pounds of the weight that I feel good when I wake up, I eat well and often, I am active without pain and I sleep well because I feel in balance.
Not sure what a healthy range or lifestyle can be to get there?
Book a CONSULT today and let one of our Coaches show you how you can be HEALTHY and stress less over a number!
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