15 Jan Understand Body Fat with Online Registered Dietitian

Many people make healthier food and lifestyle choices as part of their New Year’s resolutions, but the language and messaging of the billion-dollar diet industry can be harmful to body image and mental health. Online nutrition therapy can help individuals develop positive relationships with food and exercise, and make informed decisions about their health.

So what do you need to know about fat?

• Not all fats are the same, and our bodies need certain types of fat for storing energy, regulating hormones, and supporting reproductive health, among other functions.
• Essential fats are found in the brain, bone marrow, around organs, and nerves, while subcutaneous fat is stored under the skin and visceral fat surrounds major organs in the belly.
• There is no magic number or percentage for body fat, and individual needs depend on factors like age, gender, and physical/athletic needs. Heavyweight athletes need more fat than marathon runners, for example.
• The idea that all athletes need to be lean and fit is erroneous, and too much or too little fat can be harmful to health. Assessing weight impacts on health should be a discussion with a personal healthcare provider, rather than relying on random numbers.

We can improve our relationship with our bodies and food and exercise by keeping these things in mind:

• Developing a positive relationship with food and exercise is key to maintaining overall health, regardless of size or shape.
  Language around weight and “fat” should shift to focus on health, rather than promoting harmful messaging.
• Stay informed about nutrition and exercise, and avoid getting caught up in fads and trends.
• Online nutrition therapy can provide personalized guidance and support for individuals looking to make positive changes to their diet and lifestyle.
• Everyone can benefit from making good nutrition choices and exercising, and a balanced approach is essential to overall health and well-being.

Understand we all need fat or our bodies won’t function. Focus on health and wellness and how to improve your energy levels. We look forward to working with you.