What does weight-inclusive health care mean?

People living in larger bodies face constant discrimination and negative messages about their body weight. smartboy10/DigitalVision Vectors via Getty Images& A dietitian explains what some providers are doing to end weight stigma by Lauren Butler, Texas State University Weight-inclusive health care means a focus on better health with no weight loss required. This includes practices such as eating for overall well-being rather than for the number of calories. It may also include prioritizing activities to reduce stress, avoiding smoking, drinking less alcohol and striving to be physically active in enjoyable ways. A weight-inclusive approach to health seeks to undo the harms caused by weight stigma. People with larger bodies often experience weight stigma as discrimination, prejudice, negative stereotypes and judgments from others – including their own doctors and other health care providers. More than 40% of U.S. adults across a range of body sizes report experiencing weight stigma in their day-to-day lives. Avoiding this stigma is likely a major driver behind the great lengths people in the U.S. go to in order to lose weight. Market data shows that Americans spent some US$72.6 billion on weight loss products and programs in 2021. In addition, weight loss efforts start early, with...