Abacoa & Alton Neighbors - May 2025

6 A B A C O A & A LT O N N E I G H B O R S | M AY 2 0 2 5 F or decades, society has linked weight with health, often reducing health & well-being to a number on the scale. But is weight really the ultimate indicator of health? While body weight can be one factor in overall health, it does not single-handedly determine a person’s well- being. Many other elements—such as genetics, lifestyle, mental health, and access to healthcare—play a crucial role. Weight vs. Health: What the Science Says The idea that extra body weight automatically leads to poor health is an oversimplification. While studies show correlations between higher weight and conditions like heart disease and diabetes, correlation does not always mean causation. Many people living in larger bodies are metabolically healthy, just as some people in smaller bodies may struggle with chronic illnesses. Focusing solely on weight can lead to misdiagnoses and overlooked conditions, and healthcare providers should focus on the whole picture, not just the number. Experts agree that elevated weight perse is an established risk factor for future EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR Does My Weight Determine My Health? health-related complications, including a 10-year reduction in lifespan. Conversations about weight are important and should be respectful, judgment-free, and a part of compassionate care. Beyond the Scale: What Impacts Health? Rather than fixating on weight alone, a comprehensive view of health considers multiple factors, including: • Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet with adequate nutrients supports overall well-being, regardless of weight. • Movement: Regular movement benefits the heart, muscles, and mental health, independent of weight changes. • Mental & Emotional Health: Stress, anxiety, and depression can have greater health consequences than weight alone. • Social and Economic Factors: Access to healthcare, nutritious food, and a supportive community significantly influence health outcomes. Many healthcare providers prioritize weight loss as a universal solution, frequently overlooking underlying medical conditions. Patients often report feeling dismissed or blamed, as if losing weight would automatically resolve their health concerns. This bias leads to delayed diagnoses and inadequate care. Research indicates that weight stigma in medical settings discourages patients from seeking treatment, further widening health disparities. HAES (Healthy at Every Size) is a weight-inclusive approach to health that challenges the idea that body size determines well-being. Instead of focusing on weight loss, HAES promotes overall health through: • Respectful, bias-free healthcare • Intuitive eating and balanced nutrition • Enjoyable movement rather than weight-focused exercise • Mental and emotional well-being HAES encourages sustainable, healthy behaviors rather than restrictive dieting or weight stigma, aiming for long-term well-being at any size. HAES challenges the common belief that weight is the sole indicator of health. Ultimately, health is far more complex than a number on a scale. While weight can be one factor in overall well-being, it should not overshadow the many other elements that contribute to a person’s health, including nutrition, physical activity, mental well-being, and social determinants. A holistic, compassionate approach —one that prioritizes sustainable, healthy behaviors rather than weight loss alone—leads to better long- term outcomes. Ready to Reset Your Health? Evexia Medical offers the most comprehensive 360-degree medical health evaluation in Palm Beach County. To book your appointment, scan the QR code below or call 561-621-1096. Let our expert team help. - By Dr. Florencia Ziemke, MD, dABOM -