The amount of weight bias in the literature (and therefore the medical community) is astounding. Health care providers must become critical reviewers of the research to provide safe and ethical services. Many of the studies finding a correlation between weight and health have not controlled for things like SES, weight cycling, fitness, stigma, oppression, trauma, and more. Correlation is different than causation.
When we critically evaluate the data we find the evidence that weight is even a risk factor is, at best, incomplete and contradictory. Here are the links to a few research articles critically evaluating weight science and offering data to support a weight-inclusive model of care:
We have included both papers on our Health at Every Size Resource Page if you ever want to share this information with patients or providers interested in learning more.
We strongly encourage you to read these papers. And regardless of whether or not you agree with us (and the evidence), it seems important to note that there is no evidence-based treatment for high body weight with five and ten year outcome data to show that weight loss is maintained (and this includes bariatric surgery).
It is possible to focus on health gains without focusing on weight;we can trust people’s bodies to sort out the weight. When the most consistent effect of weight loss at two years is weight gain (Mann et al, 2007), it is time for a new conversation about health. Unfortunately, this information is left out of our biased medical training.
Remember, our first ethic as helping professionals is to DO NO HARM. We must provide services that are weight-safe, neutral, and inclusive if we want to avoid harming the people we serve.
Together, we can make the world safer for all bodies.
Let’s talk about the new weight loss injectables Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro. We cannot ignore the timing of this medication’s popularity, while everyone continues to reckon with the impact of COVID on their lives, communities and overall health (including mental).
Advocating for our healthcare needs in a medical system that is rooted in patriarchy, capitalism and white supremacy is challenging and harmful for many of us, and it’s especially challenging for folks living in the margins.
One way we dismantle structures is to divest personally from them. We have the power to collapse systems if we include ourselves in the process. This process is about healing and reclaiming body trust.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.