The consequences of a weight-centric approach to healthcare: A case for a paradigm shift in how clinicians address body weight

Publication Date

12-1-2022

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Nutrition in Clinical Practice

Volume

37

Issue

6

DOI

10.1002/ncp.10885

First Page

1291

Last Page

1306

Abstract

Current healthcare is weight-centric, equating weight and health. This approach to healthcare has negative consequences on patient well-being. The aim of this article is to make a case for a paradigm shift in how clinicians view and address body weight. In this review, we (1) address common flawed assumptions in the weight-centric approach to healthcare, (2) review the weight science literature and provide evidence for the negative consequences of promoting dieting and weight loss, and (3) provide practice recommendations for weight-inclusive care.

Keywords

dieting, obesity, overweight, weight stigma, weight-centric, weight-inclusive

Department

Nutrition, Food Science and Packaging

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