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‘Weight Neutral Approach.’ The best plan for losing weight, keeping it off
Gained a few pounds in the last few months? Don’t sweat it. Registered dietitian Michelle Jaelin weighs in on an approach that’s healthier than weight loss.
When it comes to healthy living, most people focus on maintaining healthy weight. However, Jaelin says there has been growing evidence that using a weight neutral approach to health may be more important than weight loss for a longer life.
Jaelin recommends an approach called “weight neutral,” which focuses on behaviours, rather than the numbers on the scale.
“A study shows that behaviour is more important than weight loss,” said Jaelin. “[The study] found that weight is not a predictor of longevity like we once thought it was.”
In other words, Jaelin says people are focusing on losing weight too much when they should be focusing on their own behaviours when it comes to exercise and eating well.
“Getting outside for 30 minutes a day, or getting a little bit of exercise every single day is more important than focusing on going on these really restrictive diet plans,” said Jaelin.
She says the reason people focus on weight loss is because when people go to see their doctor, they have their weight taken. She points out that a doctor only sees you once in a while and is not aware of what you do on a day to day basis.
“I always tell people not to get so caught up and feel bad about eating those foods that make them feel ‘guilty’,” said Jaelin. “It’s okay to enjoy them once in a while, it’s actually more beneficial.”
She says it is important to listen to your body’s hunger cues. It will take mindfulness and learning, but Jaelin says it is beneficial to allow yourself to enjoy food once in a while that you would normally feel guilty about.
