Don’t Diet: Adverse Effects of the Weight Centered Health Paradigm

Abstract

Basic tenets of the weight-centered health paradigm include the following: weight is within the control of the individual; weight is caused by a simple imbalance between an individual’s energy intake and energy usage; methods for successful and sustained weight loss include focusing specifically on changing eating and physical activity patterns; and losing weight to achieve “healthy weight” status will result in better health.

• Critics of the weight-centered health paradigm contend that the tenets are scientifically inaccurate and focusing on body weight is ineffective as a means to improve health or control body weight.

• The attitudes, behaviors and practices arising from the paradigm are harmful to health and well-being and are associated with the paradigm which includes dissatisfaction, dieting, discrimination and death.