Weight isn't everything - but is it something?

Weight Loss
Written By Allie Potter

You’ve probably heard that weight isn’t everything. Heck, you might’ve even heard us say it. If you’re a current or past client, you know we like to focus on multiple indicators of progress - not just the number on the scale.

And it’s true: while some health outcomes are correlated with a person’s weight, a person’s health is not dictated solely by it. (And their value/worth is not even remotely related to their weight - at all.) So clearly weight isn’t everything - but is it something? I mean, should we still care about it?

Probably yes - but not too much.

Depending on our genetics, history, and habits; weight can negatively impact certain health outcomes. Higher bodyweight is correlated with conditions such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. We shouldn’t discount that data, and we applaud everyone who takes steps towards weight loss in an attempt to improve their own health and well being.

But a few other things to keep in mind:

  • There are other things that impact health outcomes. Weight is a factor, but it’s not the only factor, that determines how healthy we are.

  • There are other things that matter. Mental health, relationships, energy levels, confidence, stress management, exercise performance, how our bodies look and feel… the list goes on. And positive outcomes in these categories, while they might be correlated with weight loss, aren’t necessarily so.

  • Weighing less is not always better, and not everyone should be trying to lose weight. It’s certainly possible to weigh too little. For some, focusing too much on weight can bring about severe mental health concerns. And elite-level athletes often sacrifice their long-term health for peak performance. (As it turns out, a chiseled six-pack does not equate to longevity.) 

So weight isn’t everything - but it is something. And depending on the person, weight loss can be a good goal - if there’s a solid “why” behind it, and if our self-worth is not tied up in it. We strive to better ourselves because we love ourselves, not in order to love ourselves.

Do you need help figuring out your wellness goals, or turning those goals into action?

Learn more about fuelED’s 1:1 nutrition coaching services at the link below.

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