31 Aug Weight and BMI Don’t Tell the Whole Story, Online Dietitian Nutrition Coach Explains the Numbers
There’s an old Atlantic Monthly article, “Why it Was Easier to be Skinny in the 1980s.” Even though we’re not exactly thrilled about the word “skinny” in the title, the article really hit home.
Looking back 40 to 50 years ago, our eating habits and daily activities were worlds apart. Even McDonald’s, which used to be quite different, served food that was less processed and fresher compared to the fast food we get from the golden arches these days. Beyond that, scientific research is delving into the chemicals we encounter in our environment, our food, medications, and additives like artificial sweeteners. We wouldn’t be surprised if scientists were investigating genetic changes at the genome level due to these influences.
And let’s not forget about movement – or rather, the lack of it. Remember when we had to stand up to change the TV channel? Or when we had to actually go to the library to find information (librarians were our OG Google)? Those were the little things that kept us more active. Nowadays, our activity level has taken quite a nosedive, especially among younger generations who once spent summers outdoors but have now been lured by technology – video games, social media, and, oh, the beloved selfies.
Now, we’re not getting all nostalgic. However, the changes in our bodies and the seeming difficulty in maintaining a healthy weight definitely make you think. Our bodies have gone through shifts, and the world around us – the environment, technology, and countless other factors – have contributed to these changes. Many of our patients come with a goal to lose weight, focusing on the numbers on the scale. Weight, though, isn’t the sole measure of health, and dieting might not always be the best path to well-being.
So, let’s ditch “diet” for now and dive into what truly counts.
- Beware of the numbers game. Though BMI is the only index validated by the World Health Organization, it doesn’t serve as a diagnosis for body fatness or overall health. It fails to reveal one’s muscle mass or the distribution of body fat. Equally, weight doesn’t truly gauge health. It’s merely a figure that quantifies the pressure your body exerts on your shoes.
- Healthy bodies defy a single mold, embracing diverse shapes and sizes. Despite the insistence of glossy magazines and fashion shows on promoting thinness, they don’t mirror the wondrous array of body types in our world. Body diversity encompasses various ages, races, ethnicities, and genders. It champions uniqueness and defies both scientific and cultural assumptions.
- The quality of your diet matters. The quality of the food you consume has a profound impact on your well-being. Nourishing yourself with thoughtfully selected, clean ingredients and being mindful of what appears on your plate distinguishes healthy bodies from their less healthy counterparts. It’s straightforward: the quality and variety of your food translate into good health.
Take the time to appreciate and value the gifts of your body. Your legs, that take you walking to a park hike, arms that hug the people you love, feet that let you dance until the early morning hours. Instead of dwelling on so-called “imperfections,” let’s revel in the marvels of our bodies. Let’s distance ourselves from the scale and embrace life wholeheartedly! You’re worthy of it. And your body? It certainly deserves it.