Why weight loss should NOT be your resolution...

As you continue to have enhanced enthusiasm to complete your New Year's Resolutions, please keep in mind: the one you set for yourself might not actually be the most optimal for your health.

Often weight loss goals rank among the highest of New Year's Resolutions. How weight loss is achieved might actually be causing more harm than good through extreme fad dieting, 'yo-yo' diets, and weight loss medications. With this in mind, maybe weight loss should not be the focus of your health goals.

Yes, it is true, a dietitian just told you that weight loss should NOT BE THE GOAL. 

I know what you may be thinking, but hang in there with me til the end.

So often we are told by physicians (especially society, and unfortunately, dietitians too) that if you lose weight then it will improve your "X" health condition. But what we aren't accounting for in this general recommendation is HOW people are choosing (or recommended) to lose weight, that the size of your body does not determine your health, and that all bodies are different and one size DOES NOT FIT ALL. Also, studies have been emerging over the past decade which show that lifestyle changes that are introduced for weight loss are the cause of improved health outcomes, NOT the weight loss itself.

A clear example of this rests on the fact that people who live in smaller, thinner bodies are NOT all healthy. People of all shapes and sizes still have diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and other chronic illnesses. On the other hand, people who live in larger bodies don't always have chronic illness. 

Are you still with me?!?

There is actually another way of looking at health and wellness. Health at Every Size challenges the conventional notion that weight is the sole determinant of health. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of adopting healthy behaviors and habits, irrespective of body size. HAES principles promotes self-acceptance, body positivity, and the pursuit of well-being through joyful movement, intuitive eating, and respect for one's body. And the best part of all is that randomized clinical trials using a HAES approach vs. a standard weight loss strategy revealed a higher long-term participation rate, improved self-esteem, blood pressure, and lipids in participants in the HAES experimental group. (Bacon, L. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jada.2005.03.011)

CKD and Weight Stigma:

Weight stigma, often associated with the pressure to conform to a particular body size, can exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals with CKD. The HAES approach recognizes that health is multifaceted and encourages a compassionate understanding of the diverse factors contributing to an individual's well-being.

Holistic Well-being in CKD:

Adopting a Health at Every Size approach in the context of CKD involves recognizing that health is not solely determined by weight or body size. Instead, it encourages a focus on overall well-being. For individuals with CKD, this may involve:

1. Nutrition and Intuitive Eating: HAES encourages a mindful and intuitive approach to eating, emphasizing the importance of nourishing the body with a variety of foods. For those with CKD, this may involve working with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized nutrition plan that supports kidney health.

2. Physical Activity: Engaging in joyful and sustainable physical activity is a cornerstone of the HAES movement. While individuals with CKD may have certain limitations, finding activities that bring joy and promote mobility can contribute to overall well-being. And yes, with finding the type of exercise you actually like doing can eventually lead to having joyful daily body movement :)

3. Mental Health and Self-Care: CKD can be emotionally challenging, and mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being. HAES promotes self-care and self-compassion, encouraging individuals to prioritize mental health and seek support when needed.

4. Medical Advocacy: HAES aligns with a patient-centered approach to healthcare. Individuals with CKD can benefit from being active advocates for their own health, working collaboratively with healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about their care.

With all this said, it is OK to want to change your body composition. When we look at health through the HAES lens, it shows us that our daily lifestyle habits and a positive body image can drastically improve our health - regardless if a single pound is ever lost. Often my clients see that, over time, with small daily positive lifestyle habits that weight loss is a side effect of what they are already doing to preserve their kidney health.

To learn more about the HAES Principles click here.